Hadith Text

"The best among you is he who learns and teaches the Qur'an."

Source Reference

Sahih al-Bukhari 5027

Commentary on the Excellence of Quran

This noble hadith establishes the superiority of those who engage with the Quran through learning and teaching. The Prophet (peace be upon him) designated this as the highest station a Muslim can attain, for the Quran is the eternal word of Allah and the primary source of guidance.

Learning the Quran encompasses both recitation with proper tajweed and understanding its meanings and rulings. Teaching includes instructing others in recitation, interpretation, and implementation of its teachings.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this excellence applies to both the one who learns for personal benefit and the one who teaches others, with the teacher having additional reward for spreading knowledge.

Al-Qurtubi notes that this hadith demonstrates the Quran's superiority over all other speech and knowledge, as engagement with it elevates one's status above all other forms of worship and learning.

Practical Implications

The Muslim community should prioritize Quranic education in their personal lives and establish institutions for its preservation and transmission.

This teaching encourages Muslims to allocate time daily for Quran recitation and study, and to share this knowledge within their families and communities.