Anas reported God’s messenger as saying, “Everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qur’ān is Yā Sīn (Qur’ān, 36). God will record anyone who recites Yā Sīn as having recited the Qur’ān ten times.” Tirmidhī and Dārimī transmitted it, Tirmidhī saying this is a gharīb tradition.
The Excellence of Sūrah Yā Sīn
The noble ḥadīth from Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes the distinguished status of Sūrah Yā Sīn as the heart of the Qur'ān. Just as the heart is the vital center of the human body, giving life to all limbs, so too does this sūrah contain the essential spiritual truths that animate the entire Divine Revelation.
Imam al-Tirmidhī classified this as a gharīb ḥadīth, indicating its chain has singular narrators at some stage, yet its meaning is supported by the general principles regarding the Qur'ān's excellence. The tenfold reward for its recitation demonstrates Allah's boundless generosity, multiplying the spiritual recompense for engaging with this profound portion of His Speech.
Scholarly Commentary
Al-Mubārakfūrī in Tuhfat al-Aḥwadhī explains that the "heart" metaphor signifies the sūrah's centrality in conveying the Qur'ān's core message - the Oneness of Allah, prophethood, and resurrection. Its powerful arguments against polytheism and vivid depictions of the Hereafter encapsulate the Qur'ān's essential teachings.
Ibn Kathīr notes that Sūrah Yā Sīn's placement in the Musḥaf and its thematic composition make it particularly effective in softening hearts and strengthening faith. The tenfold reward applies to those who recite with contemplation and implementation, not mere verbal repetition.
Practical Implications
This ḥadīth encourages regular recitation of Sūrah Yā Sīn, especially during times when one seeks spiritual elevation or divine mercy. The scholars recommend its recitation for the deceased, as its contents provide comfort and remind of Allah's mercy and the reality of resurrection.
However, one must avoid extremism in understanding such merits - the reward is from Allah's grace, not an automatic mathematical calculation. The primary purpose remains understanding and implementing the Qur'ān's guidance, with increased reward serving as motivation for greater engagement with Allah's Words.