and they stand before Him in rows, as they themselves say:

“Indeed, we are those who stand in rows, and indeed, we are those who glorify Him.”

It is reported in the Sahīh that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“Will you not form rows as the angels form rows before their Lord?”

They asked, “How do the angels form rows before their Lord?”

He replied, “They fill the foremost rows in order and stand close together within each row.”

Section

His verses, glorified be He, require two things. The first is to understand them and reflect upon them, so as to know what they contain. The second is to worship Him and humble oneself before Him upon hearing them. Reciting them and listening to them require both.

If someone hears them without understanding them, he is blameworthy; and if he understands them without acting upon their contents, he is blameworthy. Rather, everyone who hears them must understand them and act upon them, just as everyone must listen to them. Whoever turns away from listening to them is a disbeliever. Whoever does not understand what he is commanded to do in them is a disbeliever. Whoever knows what he is commanded to do but neither acknowledges its obligation nor carries it out is a disbeliever. He, glorified be He, censures the disbelievers for both.

This is exemplified by His words:

“What is the matter with them that they turn away from the Reminder, like startled wild donkeys fleeing from a lion?”

And His words:

“Those who disbelieve say, ‘Do not listen to this Quran, and drown it out with noise, so that you may prevail.’”

And His words:

“A Book