Yet a less excellent deed may be better in its proper setting, or better for someone for whom the more excellent deed is unsuitable. For example, reciting the Quran is superior to remembrance of Allah, as established by the revealed texts, scholarly consensus, and reasoned consideration.

As for the revealed texts, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The best words after the Quran are four phrases—and they are also found in the Quran: Glory be to Allah; praise be to Allah; there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah; and Allah is the Greatest.”

He also said:

“The superiority of the Quran over all other speech is like Allah’s superiority over His creation.”

He said, relating from Allah:

“Whoever is so occupied with reciting the Quran that he is kept from remembering Me and asking of Me, I will give him better than what I give those who ask.”

He also said:

“The servants have never drawn near to Allah through anything like that which has come from Him.”

A Bedouin said to him, “I am unable to learn any of the Quran, so teach me something that will suffice in my prayer.” He replied, “Say: Glory be to Allah; praise be to Allah; there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah; and Allah is the Greatest.”

As for consensus on this, a number of scholars have reported it, and the dissent of ignorant devotees carries no weight.

As for reasoned consideration, recitation is obligatory in prayer. If a person is unable to recite, he turns instead to remembrance of Allah. Remembrance does not suffice when he is able to recite. The original act is superior to a substitute that is permitted only when one is unable to perform the original.