Question
In a Hadith of Ibn Majah, it says that those attached to the Quran are Allah’s special ones.
My question is, have any commentators informed us specifically on how much one needs to be attached to the Quran to qualify for the status of being ‘Ahlullah’. [Allah’s close and special ones]?
Answer
Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith as you have stated, on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 215)
The commentators of Hadith are unanimous on the fact that this Hadith does not refer to those who only recite the Quran abundantly during the day and night. Rather, together with abundant recital, they also act on the Quran’s teachings and adopt the akhlaq and character of the Holy Quran.
Hakim Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) explains, “A person who recites the Quran will only attain this bounty of being the special close ones to Allah, when he purifies himself of all sins, and beautifies himself with obedience of Allah. How can a person who disobeys Allah ever attain this status? [even if he recites the Quran]”
Thus, from the above it is evident that to be regarded as ‘Ahlullah’ one has to recite the Quran abundantly, totally abide by all of it’s teachings and abstain from all types of disobedience.
References for all of the above
Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 2374 and 2768, Misbahus Zujajah of ‘Allamah Suyuti, vol. 1 pg.138/9, Hashiyatus Sindhi ‘Ala Musnadil Imam Ahmad, vol. 3 pg. 199 and Akhlaqu Ahlil Quran of Hafiz Abu Bakr Al Ajurry, pg. 77)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar