Thus He made these verses, which the messengers recited to them, the criterion distinguishing the people of Paradise from the people of Hell. Whoever listened to them and followed them was among the believers, the people of Paradise; whoever turned away from them was among the disbelievers, the people of Hell.

It is the Book that Allah made the judge between people, as He says:

“And He sent down with them the Book in truth to judge between people concerning that over which they differed.” [Surah al-Baqarah 213]

When a believer reflects on all this, he knows with certainty that the Book, the speech, the discourse, and Allah’s verses all refer to the same thing. Those whom Allah commends and praises are those who follow it by listening, reflecting, believing, and acting upon it. As for praising listening to every kind of speech, no rational person would intend this, let alone interpret Allah’s words in this way. This is further reinforced by the third point:

In His Book, Allah praises only listening to the Quran, and condemns those who turn away from listening to it, describing them as people of disbelief and ignorance, deaf and dumb. As for praising listening to every kind of speech, Allah has never mentioned any such thing. Allah Most High says:

“So when the Quran is recited, listen to it and remain silent, that you may receive mercy.” [Surah al-A‘raf 204]

Allah Most High also says:

“The believers are only those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and whose faith increases when His verses are recited to them.” [Surah al-Anfal 2]

And Allah Most High says:

“Those were the ones upon whom Allah bestowed His favour among the prophets, from the descendants of