As for the believer who does not recite the Quran, his likeness is that of the date-fruit: its taste is sweet, yet it gives off no fragrant scent like that of the citron. The Prophet ﷺ denied that it had any pleasing aroma, for although everything possesses some odor, the date’s scent is not fresh and penetrating; its virtue lies only in its wholesome sweetness. Such is the believer who does not recite the Quran.

It follows, then, that the believer who does recite the Quran is far superior to the one who does not. “Does not recite” here means that he has neither learned nor mastered it.

The hypocrite who does recite the Quran is comparable to the basil plant: its fragrance is pleasant, but its taste is bitter, for the hypocrite is inwardly corrupt and devoid of real goodness. A hypocrite is someone who outwardly professes Islam while his heart harbors unbelief—may Allah protect us. Concerning such people Allah said, “Among the people are those who say, ‘We believe in Allah and the Last Day,’ yet they are not believers. They seek to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves though they perceive it not. In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease, and for them is a painful punishment because they used to lie” (Quran 2:8–10).

There are, indeed, hypocrites who recite the Quran with melodious, well-measured voices, yet they remain hypocrites—may Allah protect us. About them the Prophet ﷺ said regarding the Khawarij: “They recite the Quran, but it does not go beyond their throats.” Such people—Allah’s refuge is sought—gain no benefit from their recitation.