When God’s Messenger was on the pulpit he asked him to recite to him and he replied, “Shall I recite to you when it was sent down to you?” He said that he liked to hear it from someone else, so ‘Abdallāh recited Sūrat an-Nisa’ up to this verse, “How then shall it be when We bring from every people a witness and bring you against them as witness?”(Al-Qur’ān, 4:1-41) Then on being told that that was enough for the present, he turned round to him and saw the tears falling from his eyes. (Bukhārī and Muslim.)
The Excellent Qualities of the Qur'an - Mishkat al-Masabih 2195
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim demonstrates the profound emotional impact of Qur'anic recitation upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Messenger of Allah's request to hear the revelation from another person reflects the blessed practice of mutual Qur'anic recitation and listening, which strengthens faith and increases spiritual awareness.
Scholarly Commentary on the Prophet's Tears
The classical scholars explain that the Prophet's tears upon hearing Surah an-Nisa' verse 41 manifested his deep understanding of the tremendous responsibility of prophethood. This verse specifically addresses the Day of Judgment when every nation will have a witness from among them, and the Prophet will serve as witness over his entire ummah.
Imam al-Qurtubi comments that the Prophet's emotional response demonstrates how the righteous should receive Allah's revelation - with contemplation, humility, and heartfelt connection. His tears reflected both awe before Allah's majesty and concern for his community's accountability.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the sunnah of listening to Qur'anic recitation from others and the permissibility of showing emotion when hearing Allah's words. The scholars derive from this that crying during Qur'an recitation is a sign of true faith and understanding, as the Prophet said, "The eyes that shed tears out of fear of Allah will not be touched by the Fire."
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari emphasizes that the Prophet's practice of hearing revelation from companions like Abdullah ibn Mas'ud demonstrates the importance of learning the Qur'an through proper chains of transmission and the virtue of those who memorize and recite Allah's book correctly.