Know that what is meant by “the companion of the Quran” is one who has memorized it by heart, as indicated by his statement (peace and blessings be upon him): “The one most versed in Allah’s Book should lead the people in prayer”—that is, the one who has memorized it most fully. Superiority in the ranks of Paradise is only according to one’s memorization in this world, not according to one’s recitation at that time or the amount one recites, as some have supposed. This clearly demonstrates the virtue of one who memorizes the Quran, provided that he memorizes it solely for Allah’s sake, and not for worldly gain, dirhams, and dinars. Otherwise, he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Most of the hypocrites of my ummah are its reciters.” Its documentation has preceded under no. (750).

2241 — “O Allah, increase his wealth and children, and bless for him what You have given him.” That is, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him).

It is narrated from Anas ibn Malik through several routes. The first is from Qatadah, from him. He said: My mother—in one narration, Umm Sulaym—said: “O Messenger of Allah, your servant Anas; supplicate to Allah for him.” He then mentioned it. It was recorded by al-Bukhari (6334, 6344, 6378, and 6380), Muslim (7/159), al-Tirmidhi (3827), who said: “A good, authentic hadith,” al-Tayalisi (1987), and Ahmad (6/430). Ahmad, however, said: “From Anas, from Umm Sulaym,” thus making it part of the Musnad of Umm Sulaym. This is also a narration of al-Bukhari and Muslim, as well as al-Tirmidhi.

The second is from Hisham ibn Zayd, who said: I heard Anas ibn Malik say the same. It was recorded by al-Bukhari (6379) and Muslim.

The third is from Thabit, from Anas, who said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came in to us, and there were only my mother, my maternal aunt Umm Haram, and me. My mother said: “O Messenger