For this reason, Quran recitation is obligatory in prayer and may be replaced by remembrance only when one is unable to recite. This clearly demonstrates the superiority of reciting the Quran. Another indication is that one must be free of major ritual impurity to recite the Quran, whereas this is not required for remembrance. Whatever is prescribed only in a more complete state is superior. Likewise, since prayer requires both forms of ritual purity, it is superior to recitation alone. The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Remain steadfast, though you will never be able to do so perfectly, and know that the best of your deeds is prayer.”1 Hence, the scholars explicitly stated that prayer is the finest voluntary bodily act of worship. Moreover, an object on which the Quran is written may be touched only by someone in a state of ritual purity, whereas this is not required for an object bearing words of remembrance.

All of this demonstrates that reciting the Noble Quran is superior to glorifying and praising Allah, proclaiming His greatness, and other forms of remembrance. This is the general rule; nevertheless, an act of lesser merit may be accompanied by something that makes it superior.

Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah have mercy on him—explained this clearly and thoroughly in a response he gave concerning this question.2 He—may Allah have mercy on him—said:

“The precise account of this matter is that an act of lesser merit may be accompanied by something that makes it superior to the other act. This is of two kinds:

The first is prescribed for everyone.

The second varies according to people’s circumstances.