reciting it aloud when this serves an overriding benefit. Indeed, he explicitly stated that one who prays in Medina [should recite it aloud]. Some of his associates explained that this was because the people there used to object to anyone who recited it aloud. A person is encouraged to seek to bring these hearts together by forgoing such recommended practices, for the religious benefit of bringing hearts together is greater than that of performing an act such as this. Likewise, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) declined to alter the structure of the Kaaba because he saw that leaving it as it was would help bring hearts together. Similarly, Ibn Masūd objected when Uthmān performed the prayer in full while travelling, but then prayed behind him and performed it in full, saying, “Discord is evil.”

Although this is a sound consideration, Ahmad’s intent was that the people of Medina were not reciting it, so one should recite it aloud to demonstrate that its recitation is a sunnah. In the same way, Ibn Abbās recited the Opening Chapter of the Book aloud during the funeral prayer and said, “So that you may know that it is a sunnah.” Umar likewise recited the opening supplication aloud on more than one occasion, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would sometimes recite a verse audibly during the noon and afternoon prayers. This is why most of the Companions who were reported to have recited it aloud were also reported to have recited it quietly. It appears that they recited it aloud to make clear that they did recite it, just as some of them also recited the formula seeking refuge in Allah aloud.

Moderation in all things consists in giving the transmitted reports their proper application, for