the soul generally needs something to recite melodiously. Whoever does not recite the Quran melodiously will recite poetry melodiously. Listening to the Quran is the practice of the prophets, the believers, those who know Allah, and the learned.

Allah Most High says:

“Those are the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favor among the prophets, from the descendants of Adam and from those We carried with Noah”—to the end of the verse.

He also says:

“And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger”—to the end of the verse.

He Most High says:

“Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it, when it is recited to them”—to the end of the two verses.

He says:

“Allah has sent down the best message”—to the end of the verse.

And He says:

“The believers are only those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned”—to the end of the verse.

This “listening” is what Allah has prescribed for the believers, both within prayer and outside it. When the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, gathered together, they would ask one of their number to recite while the others listened.

“The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, passed by Abū Mūsā while he was reciting and began listening to his recitation. He said, ‘I passed by you last night while you were reciting, and I began listening to your recitation.’ He replied, ‘Had I known that you were listening, I would have made my recitation especially beautiful for you.’” That is, “I would have beautified it greatly.”

ʿUmar used to say to Abū Mūsā, “Remind us of our Lord.” He would then recite while they listened to his recitation.

“The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Ibn Masʿūd, ‘Recite the Quran to me.’ He asked, ‘Should I recite it to you when it was revealed to you?’ He replied: