"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent an expedition force [comprised] of many, and he asked each what he could recite, so each one of them mentioned what he could recite - meaning what he had memorized of the Qur'an. He came to one of the youngest men among them and said: 'What have you memorized O so-and-so?' He said: 'I memorized this and that and Surat Al-Baqarah.' He said: 'You memorized Surat Al-Baqarah?' He said: "Yes.' He said: "Then go, for you are their commander.' A man among their chief said: 'By Allah [O Messenger of Allah]! Nothing prevented me from learning Surat Al-Baqarah except fearing that I would not be able to stand with (in voluntary night prayer).' The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Learn the Qur'an to recite it, for indeed the parable of the Qur'an for the one who recites it and stands with it (in prayer) is that of a bag full of musk whose scent fills the air all around. And the parable of the one who learns it then sleeps while it is in his memory is that of a bag containing musk that is tied shut.'"
Hadith Commentary: Excellence of Surah Al-Baqarah
This noble hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (2876) demonstrates the immense virtue of memorizing and reciting the Qur'an, particularly Surah Al-Baqarah. The Prophet's appointment of the youngest companion as commander solely based on his mastery of this great surah indicates that spiritual qualifications supersede worldly considerations like age or social status in leadership roles.
The Two Parables of Musk
The first parable compares the reciter who stands in prayer to a bag of open musk spreading fragrance everywhere - indicating that the Qur'an's spiritual benefits extend beyond the reciter to benefit the entire community through his righteous actions and prayers.
The second parable describes one who memorizes but doesn't act upon it as tied musk - the potential remains but the benefit is contained. This illustrates that while memorization is praiseworthy, implementation through prayer and practice is superior.
Scholarly Insights from "Chapters on The Virtues of the Qur'an"
Imam at-Tirmidhi includes this in his chapter on Surah Al-Baqarah's virtues. Scholars explain that the companion's hesitation stemmed from reverence, not neglect. The Prophet's response emphasizes balance: learn the Qur'an completely while striving to implement it. This hadith encourages both memorization and practical application without letting perfectionism prevent learning.