condemnation for matters for which they have been forgiven. Others follow them and take this condemnation further, treating as lawful violations of their brothers’ honour and other rights that Allah and His Messenger have forbidden. This happens frequently in disputed matters in which some eminent figures have erred.

Consider this in relation to the question of listening that we have discussed. Allah, glorified be He, has prescribed for this nation that which leaves them no need for what He has not prescribed: He perfected their religion, completed His favour upon them, and approved Islam as their religion. This is listening to the Quran, which He prescribed for them in prayer—the pillar of their religion—and outside prayer, both together and individually. Indeed, when Muhammad’s Companions gathered, they would ask one of their number to recite while the rest listened. ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb would say to Abū Mūsā, “Abū Mūsā, remind us of our Lord.” He would then recite while they listened. We have discussed this at length elsewhere; here we have only mentioned some points relating to listening.

Allah Most High says:

“Allah has sent down the best message: a Book consistent in its parts, repeating its teachings, at which the skins of those who fear their Lord shiver; then their skins and hearts soften at the remembrance of Allah.”
[Surah al-Zumar 23]

He mentions the listening of the believers, those who know Him, the learned, and the prophets. Allah Most High 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-Anfāl 2]

Allah Most High also says:

“Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it, when it is recited to them, fall upon their faces in prostration, saying, ‘Glory be to our Lord! Surely the promise of our Lord is bound to be fulfilled.’ And they fall upon their faces weeping, and it increases them in humility.”
[Surah al-Isrāʾ 108 109]