Today we share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which emphasizes the high value Islam places on learning, teaching, and sharing the Quran, which is considered the ultimate source of guidance for believers. This hadith highlights two qualities: seeking knowledge of the Quran and sharing it with others, both of which align closely with Quranic principles.
This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī (Book 66: Virtues of the Qur'an /كتاب فضائل القرآن/ Chapter 21: The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it / باب خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ) as Hadith 5027, given herein under:
Narrated by `Uthman:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it."
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا حَجَّاجُ بْنُ مِنْهَالٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَلْقَمَةُ بْنُ مَرْثَدٍ، سَمِعْتُ سَعْدَ بْنَ عُبَيْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ السُّلَمِيِّ، عَنْ عُثْمَانَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ ". قَالَ وَأَقْرَأَ أَبُو عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ فِي إِمْرَةِ عُثْمَانَ حَتَّى كَانَ الْحَجَّاجُ، قَالَ وَذَاكَ الَّذِي أَقْعَدَنِي مَقْعَدِي هَذَا.
Explanation of Hadith in Light of the Quran: The above quoted Hadith is exactly in line with the Divine commandments as mentioned in the Qur'an. Let us understand this Hadith based on selected verses from Qur'an:
- The Quran as Guidance and Light: The Quran is described as a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life. Allah says in the Quran:
"This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2)
Learning and teaching the Quran involves understanding and living by its teachings, which provide a moral and ethical framework that helps Muslims navigate their lives. The Quranic emphasis on seeking guidance from its verses aligns with the hadith's message, as those who commit to learning and sharing this guidance embody its values and principles.
- Seeking Knowledge and Understanding The Quran repeatedly encourages believers to seek knowledge, reflection, and understanding. Allah says:
"Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'" (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:9)
By learning and teaching the Quran, a person increases in knowledge and understanding of Allah’s words. This pursuit of knowledge and understanding is regarded as a form of worship and devotion. According to this verse, those who know the Quran and share its knowledge are of higher rank due to their dedication to deepening their understanding and helping others do the same.
- Reward for Spreading Allah’s Message: The Quran calls for believers to encourage each other in truth and patience, which includes sharing beneficial knowledge with others. Allah says:
"And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, 'Indeed, I am of the Muslims.'" (Surah Fussilat, 41:33)
Teaching the Quran is one of the most effective ways of inviting others to Allah. When a person learns the Quran and teaches it, they are spreading the message of Allah, which is considered one of the most honorable and rewarding acts.
- The Quran as Healing and Mercy: The Quran is described as a source of healing and mercy for those who believe:
"And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers..." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:82)
By learning and teaching the Quran, a person helps others benefit from this healing and mercy. They bring the spiritual, psychological, and ethical guidance of the Quran into their lives and the lives of others. This creates a society that benefits from the peace and mercy that the Quranic teachings bring, fulfilling the Quran’s role as a healing source for individuals and communities.
The Importance of Learning and Teaching the Quran
- Personal Growth and Spiritual Connection: Learning the Quran helps individuals grow closer to Allah, deepening their understanding of His attributes and their purpose in life.
- Creating a Positive Impact on Society: Teaching the Quran spreads the values of justice, mercy, and kindness, which fosters a more harmonious and moral society.
- Continuous Rewards (Sadaqah Jariyah): Teaching the Quran provides ongoing rewards. Each time someone benefits from their teaching, the teacher earns rewards even after passing away, as the effects of their knowledge continue to influence others.
This hadith encourages Muslims to become the “best” by learning and teaching the Quran, aligning closely with the Quranic emphasis on seeking knowledge, spreading guidance, and inviting others to the truth. It inspires Muslims to connect deeply with the Quran and to share its wisdom and guidance with others, creating a community of believers who are knowledgeable, compassionate, and spiritually enriched. This connection to the Quran brings personal fulfillment, societal harmony, and continuous rewards in the hereafter.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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