Likewise, if he has memorized the Quran or part of it but does not understand its meanings, learning to understand those meanings is better than reciting what he does not understand. As for someone who reads jurisprudence as an act of worship, reciting the Quran as an act of worship is better for him. Reflecting on the meanings of the Quran is also better than reflecting on words he has no need to ponder. Allah knows best.

He was asked:

For someone who has memorized the Quran and is in no danger of forgetting it, which is better: reciting the Quran, or glorifying Allah and engaging in other acts of remembrance and seeking forgiveness throughout his time? This is asked in light of his knowledge of the reports concerning “enduring righteous deeds,” declaring that “none has the right to be worshipped but Allah,” saying “There is no power nor strength except through Allah,” “the master supplication for forgiveness,” and “Glory and praise be to Allah; glory be to Allah, the Magnificent.”

He replied:

All praise is due to Allah. The answer to this question and others like it rests on two principles.

The first principle is that reciting the Quran is, as a category, better than other forms of remembrance, just as remembrance is, as a category, better than supplication. Thus, in a hadith in Sahīh Muslim, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The best speech after the Quran consists of four phrases, which are themselves from the Quran: ‘Glory be to Allah,’ ‘Praise be to Allah,’ ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allah,’ and ‘Allah is Most Great.’”