What is the ruling for reciting the Qur`an before the sermon of the Friday prayer?

It is recommended for people to gather in the mosque on Fridays to listen to the Qur`an before the sermon whether one of the congregants recites the Qur`an for the others or it is played. There is no harm in this because Islamic law recommends reciting the Qur`an especially if the recitor is proficient such as the recitors of the Qur`an radio station.

It was authentically reported that the Prophet said, "Whoever recites the Qur`an proficiently will be with the honorable and obedient angels and whoever recites it with hardship" — (Shu'ba said i.e. it is difficult for him)— he will earn a twofold reward" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Muslims are also instructed to listen to the Qur`an when it is recited. Allah the Almighty says,When the Qur`an is read, listen to it with attention and hold your peace: that ye may receive mercy. [Al-A'raf: 204] Because there is no text that forbids reciting the Qur`an before the Friday sermon, then the ruling for it is its recommendation as demonstrated above.