The Meaning of Reciting the Qur'an with Melody

Question:
What is the meaning of *taghanni* (melodious recitation) of the Qur'an, O honorable Shaykh?

Answer:
The authentic Sunnah encourages *taghanni* of the Qur'an; that is, to beautify the voice with it. It does not mean reciting it like singing, but rather beautifying the voice in the recitation. Among the evidence for this is the authentic hadith: , and the hadith: , and its meaning is to beautify the voice with it, as mentioned previously.
And the meaning of the aforementioned hadith: ; that is, Allah did not listen to anything as He listened to ; that is, as He listened to it. This is a type of listening befitting Allah that does not resemble the attributes of His creation—like the other attributes. It is said regarding His listening and His permission what is said regarding the rest of the attributes in the manner befitting Allah : [Surah al-Shura: 11].
And *taghanni* is reciting it aloud with a beautiful voice and humility in it; so that it moves the hearts. For the purpose is to move the hearts with this Qur'an; so that they become humble, so that they find tranquility, and so that they benefit.
From this is the story of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by him while he was reciting, so the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) listened to him and said: . When Abu Musa came, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) informed him of that. Abu Musa said: "If I had known, O Messenger of Allah, that you were listening to me, I would have adorned it for you with adornment."
And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not disapprove of that from him; so this indicates that adorning the voice, beautifying the voice, and caring for the Qur'an is a desired matter; so that the reciter and the listener become humble, and so that both of them benefit.