Is listening to the recitation of the Qur'an obligatory?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you. This person says: The statement of Allah the Exalted: [Al-A'raf 7:204] Is the command in the verse for obligation or for recommendation? And if it is for obligation, what about those who are circumambulating, who are not listening to the imam's recitation in the tarawih?
The Shaykh : Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) says regarding this verse:[Al-A'raf 7:204]: "They all agreed that it is in the prayer", meaning if your imam is reciting, listen to him. But if he is not your imam, it is not obligatory for you to listen.
So when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.
وإذا قرئ القرآن فاستمعوا له وأنصتوا لعلكم ترحمونThe Shaykh : Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) says regarding this verse: