the eastern and western horizons of the earth. The party that set out along the coastal plain of Tihamah passed by the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—at Nakhlah while he and his Companions were on their way to the ʿUkaz market, and he was leading his Companions in the dawn prayer. When they heard the Quran being recited, they stopped and listened attentively.

They said, “This is what has barred us from the news of heaven.”

They then returned to their people and declared:
“O our people! We have heard a wondrous recitation that guides to what is right; so we have believed in it, and we shall never associate anyone with our Lord.” (Q 72:1–2)

Thereupon Allah, Mighty and Exalted, revealed to His Prophet Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace:
“Say: It has been revealed to me that a company of the jinn listened.” (Q 72:1)

In al-Bukhari’s wording the incident took place at Nakhlah, near Mecca, and that is the sound report.