Why is Silence Important During Quran Recitation?

Silence and Listening to the Quran in Islamic Teachings

It is recommended for every Muslim to remain silent and listen with all their heart when someone recites the Quran, no matter where or when. This is because the Quran is not just a book to be read, but a book to understand, comprehend, and then act upon. This recommendation is so important that in some traditions, it is even referred to as obligatory.

Imam Ali (AS) said:

“What is obligatory for the ears is listening to the remembrance of God and remaining silent when His verses are recited, and avoiding listening to things that anger Him.” (Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, Vol. 11, p. 143; Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 66, p. 73)

Imam Baqir (AS) said:

“God's word is the most truthful speech, and it is more eloquent than any story. God Himself has said in the Quran that when it is recited, you should listen to it and remain silent, perhaps you will receive God's mercy.” (Tafsir Ahl al-Bayt (AS), Vol. 5, p. 456; Al-Kafi, Vol. 3, p. 423)

Imam Sadiq (AS) said:

“It is obligatory to remain silent and listen when the Quran is recited, both during prayers and outside of them. When the Quran is recited before you, it is necessary to remain silent and listen.” (Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 85, p. 108; Vol. 89, p. 221)

God’s Command Regarding Quran Recitation

God says in the Quran: “When the Quran is recited, listen to it and remain silent so that you may receive mercy.” (Surah Al-A'raf, Ayah 204)

This verse commands two things for people when the Quran is recited:

- Listening

- Remaining silent

Listening and silence are key ways to benefit from the blessings of Quran recitation. "Listening" means paying attention with the heart, and "remaining silent" means being quiet in order to focus on the divine speech.

Therefore, all Muslims are obligated to listen attentively and remain silent when the Quran is recited, while also reflecting on the meanings of the verses. In this way, they will receive God’s mercy and have their faith strengthened.

However, to fully benefit from God’s mercy, merely remaining silent and listening is not enough. It also requires acting upon what is heard. (Tafsir al-Namuneh, Vol. 7, p. 92)

The Virtue of Listening to the Quran and Remaining Silent

Not everyone has the opportunity to perform certain acts of worship, because they are unaware of the great rewards they bring. One such act of worship is listening to the Holy Quran.

Imam Sajjad (AS) said about the virtue of listening to God's word:

“Whoever listens to a letter from the Book of God without reading it, God will write a good deed for him, erase a sin, and raise his status.” (Usul al-Kafi, Vol. 2, p. 612, Chapter on "Rewards of Quran Recitation")

Therefore, when listening to the divine verses brings such great rewards, why should we deprive ourselves of it?