حياة السلف بين القول والعمل

The state of the early Muslims with regard to the Quran: Fadl al-Raqashi, may God have mercy on him, said: “Nothing brings more pleasure to the worshippers, nor does anything stir their hearts more, than a beautiful voice reciting the Quran. Any heart that does not respond to a beautiful voice reciting the Quran is a dead heart.” Al-Fadl also said: “What eye fails to shed tears at a beautiful voice except the eye of a heedless or distracted person?” [Ibn Abi al-Dunya Encyclopedia 3/185]

The way of the Salaf with the Qur’an: On the authority of Abu Ma’shar, he said: When Muhammad bin Qais, may God have mercy on him, wanted to make his companions cry, he would recite verses before speaking. He had one of the most beautiful voices of people. When he recited, he would cry and make others cry. He said: Then he would speak after that. He said: Muhammad bin Ka’b would speak with his tears flowing. [Ibn Abi Al-Dunya Encyclopedia 3/185].

The way of the Salaf with the Qur’an: On the authority of Muqatil bin Hayyan, he said: I prayed behind Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may God have mercy on him, and he recited: “And stop them, for they are to be questioned” [As-Saffat: 24], and he kept repeating it, unable to go beyond it. [Ibn Abi Al-Dunya Encyclopedia 3/255].

The state of the Salaf with the Qur’an: On the authority of Maimun bin Mihran, he said: Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may God have mercy on him, recited “The mutual rivalry for worldly gain has distracted you” [At-Takathur: 1], then he wept and said: “Until you visit the graves” [At-Takathur: 2]. I see the graves as nothing but a visit, and whoever visits them must return to Paradise or to Hell. [Ibn Abi Al-Dunya Encyclopedia 3/255].

The way of the early Muslims with the Quran: Al-Hasan, may God have mercy on him, said: There are three types of Quran reciters: One who treats it as merchandise, transporting it from one place to another, seeking favors from people. Another who recites the Quran, memorizes its letters, but neglects its limits, using it to gain favor with rulers and to lord it over the people of their lands. You will find most of this type among those who carry the Quran, may God not increase their number. And a third who recites the Quran and weeps because of what he knows of its healing power, applying it to the ailments of his heart. He stays awake for God, his eyes overflowing with tears. They are clothed in sorrow, adorned with humility, and toil in their prayer niches. Through them, God sends down rain, grants victory, and lifts affliction. By God, this type among those who carry the Quran is rarer than red sulfur. [Ibn Abi al-Dunya's Encyclopedia 3/290]