(regarding the Verse):-- 'Neither say your prayer aloud, nor say it in a low tone.' (17.110) This Verse
was revealed while Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was hiding himself in Mecca, and when he raised his voice while
reciting the Qur'an, the pagans would hear him and abuse the Qur'an and its Revealer and to the one
who brought it. So Allah said:--
'Neither say your prayer aloud, nor say it in a low tone.' (17.110) That is, 'Do not say your prayer so
loudly that the pagans can hear you, nor say it in such a low tone that your companions do not hear
you.' But seek a middle course between those (extremes), i.e., let your companions hear, but do not
relate the Qur'an loudly, so that they may learn it from you.
Narrated by Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
Context
This hadith discusses the appropriate manner of reciting prayers, particularly during a time of adversity for the early Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was instructed to maintain a balance in his prayer volume, ensuring that it was neither too loud for the pagans to hear nor too quiet for his companions. This guidance highlights the importance of discretion and consideration for the surrounding environment while practicing faith.
Modern Application
In today's world, this principle encourages individuals to find a balance in their expressions of faith, whether in public or private settings. It reminds us to be mindful of our surroundings and the impact our actions may have on others, fostering an environment of respect and understanding.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Divine Revelation because it addresses the manner of performing prayers and emphasizes the importance of the Qur'an's recitation in a way that respects both the believers and non-believers.
Say, "Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever [name] you call - to Him belong the best names." And do not recite [too] loudly in your prayer or [too] quietly but seek between that an [intermediate] way.
O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or be loud to him in speech like the loudness of some of you to others, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not.
And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.
This hadith is #7205 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Ibn `Abbas:.
