Question

Is this Hadith authentic?

“Whosoever habitually recites the Quran while looking inside, Allah Ta’ala will allow him to enjoy his eyesight for as long as he remains in this world” [i.e., He will never become blind]

Answer

Hafiz Abul Fadl ‘Abdur Rahman Ar Razi (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).

(Kitabu Fadailil Quran Wa Tilawatihi, Hadith: 114)

However, this narration has been transmitted through an extremely weak chain.

(Refer: Tahdhibul Kamal, vol. 27, pg. 567-571, Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 4, pg. 329, number: 8035. Also see Kitabul Majruhin of Imam Ibn Hibban, vol. 2, pg. 330)

Although this narration is extremely weak, there are other narrations which encourage reciting the Quran while looking into a Mushaf. See here

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar, with the following note:

As far as Quran being a means of protecting one’s faculties and more specifically one’s eyesight, this has also been mentioned as the experience of people. My esteemed Teacher, Shaykh ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) mentioned to me a personal example of this several years ago.

The Quran as such, is a cure for all ailments too. One who recites it with the intention of maintaining his/her eyesight, can indeed expect the desired results.

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar