of great value, or frees a slave of exceptionally high value; the latter is like someone who gives a large number of dirhams in charity, or frees a number of slaves of little value (1).

In Sahīh al-Bukhārī (2), Qatādah relates: “I asked Anas about the Prophet’s recitation, peace and blessings be upon him. He replied: ‘He would prolong the vowel sounds.’”

Shu‘bah said: Abū Jamrah related to us: “I said to Ibn ‘Abbās: ‘I am a fast reciter, and sometimes I recite the Quran once or twice in a single night.’ Ibn ‘Abbās replied: ‘I would rather recite a single surah than do what you do. But if you insist on doing so, recite it (3) in such a way that your ear hears it (4) and your heart comprehends it (5).’”

Ibrāhīm said: “‘Alqamah, who had a beautiful voice, recited to ‘Abd Allāh. He said: ‘Recite in a measured manner—may my father and mother be ransomed for you—for that is the adornment of the Quran (6).’”

‘Abd Allāh ibn Mas‘ūd said: “Do not rush through the Quran as you would through poetry, nor scatter it as one scatters