What to Do When the Adhan Calls During Quran Lessons and Recitation
Question: If we are teaching the Quran or reciting the Quran, and the Adhan (call to prayer) begins, should we stop and respond to the Adhan?
Answer: It is important to first understand the ruling on responding to the Adhan. The response to the Adhan is Sunnah, meaning it is not obligatory. If someone does not respond to the Adhan, they will not be sinful, but responding brings great reward. If necessary, a person may continue their activity and respond to the Adhan later.
Knowing this, if someone is teaching the Quran, they may choose to continue their lesson or pause it. If they stop during the Adhan to wrap up the lesson, that is better, so people can prepare for prayer and offer it at its earliest time. As for reciting the Quran, since it is an individual act, one should stop and listen to the Adhan, responding to its words. While it is permissible to continue reciting, it is better to stop and respond.