Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)
Chapter 182
The Merit of Recitation of the Noble Qur'an in a Pleasant Voice
1004. AbU Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of AllAh (PBUH) saying, "Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur'an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: "Allah does not listen so attentively'' has two- fold meanings. First, Allah's acceptance and pleasure. Second, His attribute of Hearing. One must have to believe in it although we can neither describe it nor compare it with anything else.
The word "Ghina'' is ordinarily used for singing but here it means the recitation which is done in accordance with the principles of Tajwid and in a beautiful voice.
Thus, this Hadith induces us to recite the Qur'an properly with nice feeling and voice.
1005. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to him, "You have been given a Mizmar (sweet melodious voice) out of the Mazamir of Prophet Dawud (David).''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Mizmar means flute but here it stands for tune and sweet voice. In the phrase Al-Dawud (PBUH), translated here `the family of Dawud,' the word Al is superfluous and what is in fact meant is Prophet Dawud. In any case, sweet voice is a gift of Allah Who grants it to whom He likes. Lucky indeed are those who are granted this gift and they go about using it to invite people to the religion of Allah.
1006. Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Prophet (PBUH) reciting Surat Wat-Teen Waz-Zaitun (Chapter 95) during the `Isha' prayer. I have never heard anyone reciting it in a more beautiful voice than his.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that, like other virtues and qualities, the Prophet (PBUH) was also granted a sweet voice by Allah.
1007. Abu Lubabah Bashir bin `Abdul-Mundhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He who does not recite the Qur'an in a pleasant tone is not of us.''
[Abu Dawud].
Commentary: The words "is not of us'' mean that he is not following the way of the Prophet (PBUH) with regard to the recitation of the Qur'an. This Hadith also induces us to recite the Qur'an with a sweet and touching voice because the recitation of the Qur'an in this manner enhances its effect.
1008. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said to me, "Recite the Qur'an to me.'' I said: "O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite it to you when it was revealed to you?'' He (PBUH) said, "I like to hear it from others.'' Then I began to recite Surat An-Nisa'. When I reached the Ayah: `How will it be when We shall bring a witness from every people and bring you as a witness against them?' (Having heard it) he said, "Enough! Enough!'' When I looked at him, I found his eyes were overflowing with tears.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith has been mentioned earlier. It is repeated here for the reason that it has an aspect of honour for the people who are blessed with knowledge and grace. Moreover, it stresses the need to hear the recitation of the Qur'an from those who recite it beautifully in order to contemplate over it, as was done by the Prophet (PBUH) himself.