understand its meanings and act upon them. Action is mentioned after contemplation because one cannot act without first reflecting; through reflection one gains knowledge, and action is a branch of knowledge. In sum, this is the very purpose for which the Qur’an was revealed: that it be recited and implemented—its reports believed, its rulings observed, its commands obeyed, and its prohibitions avoided. When the Day of Resurrection comes, it will then argue on behalf of its companions.

This likewise indicates that the order of Sūrat al-Baqarah, Āl ʿImrān, and al-Nisāʾ is exactly as it appears in the present muṣḥaf: al-Baqarah, then Āl ʿImrān, then al-Nisāʾ. As for the ḥadīth of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamān (may Allah be pleased with him) in which he prayed with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Prophet recited al-Baqarah, then al-Nisāʾ, and then Āl ʿImrān, that sequence was superseded by the final arrangement that placed Āl ʿImrān before al-Nisāʾ. Hence the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) unanimously agreed that Āl ʿImrān comes after Sūrat al-Baqarah, standing between it and Sūrat al-Nisāʾ. Allah is the One who grants success.

993 – Uthmān ibn ʿAffān (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” Narrated by al-Bukhārī.