Q: Is there any benefit in listening to the Quran without understanding it?
A: Yes.
There is a parable:
Listening or reading the Qur’an without understanding the meaning is like trying to take water using a woven basket. Although you won’t be able to take any water with it, you clean the basket in the process. So it’s better if you know the meaning, but just by listening or reading it, even without understanding the meanings, will give positive effect on you.
Allah, may He be exalted, has commanded the believers to listen to the Quran attentively , in a general command. He says (interpretation of the meaning): “So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy.” [Al-A`raf 7:204]
Shaykh As-Sa`di (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“This command is general and includes everyone who hears the Book of Allah being recited. He is enjoined to listen to it and keep quiet. The difference between listening and keeping quiet is that keeping quiet is done outwardly by not speaking or being distracted with anything that would keep one from focusing on listening to it.
As for listening to it, this means that one hears it with an attentive heart, pondering the meaning of what one is listening to. The one who adheres to these two commands when the Book of Allah is recited will attain a great deal of good, beneficial knowledge, ongoing and renewed faith, increased guidance and insight into his religion. Hence Allah connected the attainment of mercy to them, which indicates that the one who does not keep quiet and listen attentively when the Book is recited to him will be deprived of the share of mercy and has missed out on a great deal of good.
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