Abū Mūsa al-Ash'ari reported God’s messenger as saying, “A believer who recites the Qur’ān is like a citron whose fragrance is sweet and whose taste is sweet, a believer who does not recite the Qur’ān is like a date which has no fragrance but has a sweet state, a hypocrite who does not recite the Qur’ān is like the colocynth which has no fragrance and has a better taste, and the hypocrite who recites the Qur’ān is like basil whose fragrance is sweet but whose taste is bitter.” A version has, “A believer who recites the Qur’ān and acts according to it is like a citron, and a believer who does not recite the Qur’ān but acts according to it is like a date.”(Bukhārī and Muslim.)
The Excellent Qualities of the Qur'an - Mishkat al-Masabih 2114
This noble hadith from Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, recorded in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, presents a profound analogy describing four types of people in relation to the Qur'an. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ employs tangible examples from creation to illustrate spiritual realities.
The Believer Who Recites and Implements
Such a person is likened to the citron (utrujjah) - possessing both sweet fragrance and sweet taste. The fragrance represents the beauty of their recitation and outward devotion, while the sweet taste signifies the inner reality of their faith and implementation of Qur'anic teachings. This is the complete believer whose inner and outer states are in harmony.
The Believer Without Recitation
Compared to the date - having no fragrance but sweet taste. This describes one who, though not regularly reciting the Qur'an, nevertheless embodies its teachings through righteous actions and sound belief. Their inner state is sweet with faith, though lacking the outward beauty of regular recitation.
The Hypocrite Without Recitation
Likened to the colocynth (bitter apple) - having neither fragrance nor sweet taste. This represents one devoid of both outward devotion and inner faith. Their condition is entirely bitter, lacking both the beauty of recitation and the sweetness of genuine belief.
The Hypocrite Who Recites
Compared to basil - possessing sweet fragrance but bitter taste. This describes those who perform the outward act of recitation beautifully, yet their hearts remain empty of true faith and implementation. Their recitation is like fragrant herbs that please others but contain no spiritual nourishment.
Scholarly Commentary
The scholars explain that the complete believer combines both recitation and implementation, making them most beloved to Allah. The variant narration emphasizes that acting upon the Qur'an is the ultimate purpose, even if one's recitation is limited. This hadith encourages Muslims to seek both proper recitation and sincere implementation, warning against mere outward performance without inner transformation.