Q: All praise be to Allah, I recite the Qur'an from memory as if I were reading it, but my problem is that when I recite aloud without Mushaf (a copy of the Qur'an), I make many mistakes. Is there any harm or reduction in Thawab (reward from Allah) if I recite the Qur'an inaudibly?
A: Reciting the Qur'an inaudibly is better because of the Hadithrelated by the Six Hadith Compilers (AlBukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, AlTirmidhy, AlNasa'y, and Ibn Majah) with a good Sanad (chain of narrators)from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he stated: One who recites the Qur'an in a loud voice is like one who gives Sadaqah (voluntary charity) openly; and one who recites the Qur'an quietly is like one who gives Sadaqah secretly. This indicates that reciting the Qur'an inaudibly is preferable as is giving charity in secret, except when there is a need and a benefit in reciting aloud as in the case of the Imam leading people in Salah (Prayer); or one who delivers a Khutbah (sermon) so that people can hear and benefit.
If reciting inaudibly is more beneficial and helpful in memorizing the Qur'an, or even helpful for good recitation, then reciting inaudibly is better. However, if your Muslim brothers want to hear you recite, you may read from the Mushaf to avoid mistakes; or you may recite from memory and in case you make a mistake, look at the Mushaf or have someone correct you. The point is that if there is benefit in reciting the Qur'an audibly, it is best to recite aloud; and if there is no need for this, reciting inaudibly will be better in order to recite well.