We all—or most ordinary people—complete the recitation of the Quran, and each of us sets a daily portion for ourselves, whether it be one, two, or three parts (juz’), or perhaps more or less.

However, setting a daily listening portion that leads to completing the Quran is a neglected Sunnah. Some have practiced it and abandoned it, while others have never done it at all.

Let me first tell you about its benefits before presenting the evidence of its virtue.

1. It allows you to reflect deeply on the words, and expressions of Allah without being distracted by correcting pronunciation or proper articulation of the words.
2. The emotional and educational impact that makes you humble and submissive upon hearing the voice of a reciter carrying the words of Allah the Almighty. This is the natural effect of the Quran on a person, and this practice has led many people to guidance and repentance.
3. Through listening, you learn the correct pronunciation and Tajweed of the Quran, saving you significant time and effort compared to formal study.
4. It suits busy schedules and circumstances, especially for those who are frequently on the move. You can maintain your listening portion while walking, in a car, plane, bus, or elsewhere. Some people have completed numerous listening recitations simply by listening while walking in their neighborhood or village.
5. Listening brings tranquility, comfort, reassurance, and calmness.
6. Listening repels Shaitan, whispers, and excessive or evil thoughts.

Now, is there evidence for the virtue of listening, and are there great rewards tied to it, making it complementary to the recitation?

Yes, the educational and spiritual approach to the Quran should include both listening and recitation, but listening is extremely important and holds greater merit:

• Allah says, “So when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” (Al-A’raf: 204)
  Meaning, the reason for mercy descending upon those who listen.
• Allah says, “Say, [O Muhammad], 'It has been revealed to me that a group of the jinn listened and said, “Indeed, we have heard an amazing Qur’an. It guides to the right course, and we have believed in it. And we will never associate with our Lord anyone.'” (Al-Jinn: 1-2)
  Meaning, it is of utmost beauty, miraculousness, impact, and guidance.
• Allah says, “And [mention, O Muhammad], when We directed to you a few of the jinn, listening to the Qur'an. And when they attended it, they said, 'Listen quietly.' And when it was concluded, they went back to their people as warners.” (Al-Ahqaf: 29)
• Allah says, “So when We have recited it [through Gabriel], then follow its recitation.” (Al-Qiyamah: 18)
  Meaning, listen to it and stay silent.
• Allah says, “And of those whom We guided and chose. When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping.” (Maryam: 58)
  Here, Allah praises those who listen and are deeply moved—and what a magnificent praise it is!
• Allah says, “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.” (Al-Anfal: 2)
• Allah says, “And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they have recognized of the truth. They say, 'Our Lord, we have believed, so register us among the witnesses.'” (Al-Ma’idah: 83)
• Allah says, “Who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding.” (Az-Zumar: 18)

In the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, it is narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever listens to a verse from the Book of Allah, Allah will record on his behalf a multiplied good deed, and whoever recites it, it will be a light for him on the Day of Resurrection.” Al-Darimi narrates from Ibn Abbas: “Whoever listens to an ayah from the Book of Allah, it will be a light for him.”

In the hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari that Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported:
God’s Messenger asked him to recite to him and he replied, “Shall I recite to you when it was sent down to you?” He said that he liked to hear it from someone else, so ‘Abdallāh recited Sūrat an-Nisa’ up to this verse, “How then shall it be when We bring from every people a witness and bring you against them as witness?”(Al-Qur’ān, 4:1-41) Then on being told that that was enough for the present, he turned round to him and saw the tears falling from his eyes.

Shaping the Soul Through the Quran

The question is: Which is better, listening or reciting?

Balancing both is ideal, but the reward of recitation is tied to effort, action, and moving the tongue—it carries immense reward according to texts that encourage it, such as the hadith stating that each letter recited earns a good deed, and a good deed is multiplied tenfold, and the hadith: “One who is skilled in the Qur’ān is associated with the noble, upright recording angels; and he who falters when reciting the Qur’ān and finds it difficult for him will have a double reward.” Imam Ibn Baz said: “This contains immense virtue—reciting the Quran with difficulty earns a double reward.”

As for listening, its virtue lies in its impact on the heart, deep reflection upon hearing it, and its profound effect in humility. It also carries the reward of attentiveness and is a cause for the descent of mercy, which Allah has specifically granted to those who listen attentively.

Moreover, the benefits we previously mentioned, such as learning, mastery, and understanding through listening, are numerous, especially since you receive it from the mouths of skilled and proficient reciters.

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