when they learned ten verses from the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) they would not proceed beyond them until they had grasped the knowledge and the practice they contained. They used to say, “So we learned the Qur’an, the knowledge, and the action all together.”(1) For this reason they would sometimes spend a long period memorizing a single surah.

Anas said, “When a man had recited al-Baqarah and ʾĀl ʿImrān, he was held in high regard in our eyes.”(2)

Explanation

That is, he became venerable and esteemed, because they would not memorize it unless they also understood its meaning. In other words, whoever memorizes al-Baqarah—wording and meaning—and ʾĀl ʿImrān—wording and meaning—possesses a great deal of knowledge.

Ibn ʿUmar spent several years memorizing al-Baqarah—some say eight years; this was mentioned by Mālik.(3) The reason lies in the Almighty’s words: “A blessed Book We have sent down to you so that they may reflect upon its verses and that those endowed with insight may take heed” (Ṣād 38:29); and His words: “Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an?” (Muḥammad 47:24); and His words: “Have they not contemplated the Word?” (al-Muʾminūn 23:68). And such reflection