1.15. Crying when reciting or listening to the Quran

'Abd Allaah Ibn Ash-Shukhayr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I went to the Prophet when he was praying and from his breast emerged a crying sound like the sound of a container in which water is boiling." (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa`i with a strong chain of narration)

The Messenger of Allah once said to Ibn Mas'odd (may Allah be pleased with him): "Recite to me." Ibn Mas'ood answered: "I recite the Quran to you, and to you it was revealed?" The Prophet said, "Yes." Ibn Mas'ood recited the Chapter of the Women until he reached, How then when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you as a witness against these people? [4:41] Then the Prophet said, "That is enough for you now." Ibn Mas'ood later related, "I then tuned to him and saw tears flowing from his eyes." (Related by al-Bukhari)

The author of the book says: "Yet it is amazing to see that people are prone to affectation, crying rivers of tears when they hear the imam make supplication in al-Qunoot (the collective supplication done in prayer after the final bowing on occasions). To such people we point out that the most complete of people are those whom Allah describes thus in His Book:

اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابًا مُّتَشَابِهًا مَّثَانِيَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ
Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book, its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it. Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah. (Az-Zumar 39:23)"

With regards to the narrations of a number of the Taabi'een (Successors) fainting or dying when listening to the Quran, then this is due to their comprehension of the power of the Quran whilst their hearts couldn't bear it. This is a high-ranking state and they were genuine so they can be excused but this was not known to have occured to the Companions and their state is more complete and better. They had similiar emotions but remained strong and firm and this was the case for the vast majority of the pious predecessors.