What etiquette should I observe when reading the Qur'an at home?

The answer

Begin with a clean place and a settled intention. It is recommended to be in a state of purity, to sit respectfully and to seek refuge in God before reciting. These are acts of adab, not barriers designed to make reading difficult. If you are unable to meet a recommended condition, you should not abandon the Qur'an altogether.

Handle the mushaf with respect, keep it in a clean place and avoid putting it on the floor. Give the recitation your attention: put the phone aside, recite at a measured pace and pause at the places of reflection. Reading a small portion with presence is better than rushing through many pages while distracted.

Rulings about touching the mushaf in particular states differ among the schools, especially for women during menstruation. Follow the guidance of a qualified scholar you trust rather than treating a difference of opinion as a reason to stop learning. If your pronunciation needs improvement, study with a teacher; the effort itself is rewarded.