while they were praying before dawn, and said: ‘O people, each of you is conversing privately with his Lord, so do not raise your voices over one another in recitation.’” Recitation within voluntary prayer is generally better; however, reciting the Quran and listening to it may be better for some people. And Allah knows best.

He was asked:

“Which is better when one rises at night: prayer or recitation?”

He replied:

Prayer is better than recitation outside prayer. The leading scholars have expressly stated this. The Prophet also said:

“Remain steadfast, though you will never achieve perfect steadfastness. Know that the best of your deeds is prayer, and none but a believer consistently maintains his ablution.”

However, if someone finds greater enthusiasm, reflection, and understanding when reciting outside prayer than within it, then whatever benefits him more is better for him.

He was asked about a man who wished to earn reward:

“Is it better for him to recite the Quran, or to remember Allah and glorify Him?”