Question

Regarding the following Hadith, is it correct to translate the word “أجران” as “double”? And is the Hadith implicating that the one who recites with difficulty receives a greater reward?

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: مثل الذي يقرأ القرآن وهو حافظ له مع السفرة الكرام ومثل الذي يقرأ القرآن وهو يتعاهده وهو عليه شديد فله أجران

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 4937)

Answer

Although it would be suitable to translate the word أجران as “double”, translating it as “two rewards” could potentially provide a clearer understanding.

Ibn Tin (rahimahullah) has mentioned that a difference of opinion has been recorded regarding the implicated meaning of this Hadith.

Some ‘Ulama felt the Hadith was implying that a person who recites the Quran with difficulty would receive a greater reward than a fluent, proficient reciter of the Quran. The majority of ‘Ulama, however, have opted otherwise.

The preferred explanation of this Hadith is that a person who experiences difficulty in reciting the Quran, whilst exerting himself to learn it, will receive a double reward (i.e., two sperate rewards at the same time). He will receive one reward for his recitation and a second one for the added effort he has to make due to his continuous faltering and/or stuttering. This however, is not in comparison to the reward of one who is proficient in the Quran. It does not mean that the first type of person (i.e., the one who is not proficient in reciting the Quran) has surpassed the second (i.e., the one who is proficient in reciting it). The reward which was mentioned for the one proficient in the Quran is far more virtuous and greater for he will be in the company of the angels.

(Al-Minhaj, Hadith: 1859, Fathul Bari, Hadith: 4937, Ad-Dibaj, Hadith: 798, Mirqat, Hadith: 2112, Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 9165; Also see: Fadail A’mal, Virtues of the Noble Quran, Hadith: 4)

Translation

Sayyidah ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) has reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The one who recites the Quran being a Hafiz of it (i.e., he has memorised it well and recites it proficiently) will be with the noble angels (that are scribes). And that person shall receive two rewards who recites the Quran experiencing difficulty yet he still exerts himself.”

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Farhan Shariff

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar,

This Hadith should be understood as a consolation from Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wa sallam) to a person who stammers or struggles whilst reciting the Quran, and not as a comparison between him and a fluent reciter.