Does an elderly woman who has not memorized much of the Quran and is unable to read from the mushaf receive a reward for listening to the Quran on the radio or other devices?

Reciting the noble Quran and listening to its recitation are among the best acts of worship, with their virtue and reward highlighted in Islamic texts. A Muslim should engage in both reciting and listening to the Quran. If a person is unable to recite but can listen attentively and contemplate the meanings, they are certainly rewarded for doing what they are capable of and excused for their limitations. One can listen to the recitation of the Quran through various means, depending on one’s capacity. This may include listening directly from a reciter or from a radio, TV, phone, or any other similar means. In all cases, the promised reward is attained.

The virtue of listening to the Quran

Reciting the noble Quran and listening to its recitation are among the most commendable acts of worship. The Sunnah is replete with texts that affirm their virtue and reward. Regarding the recitation of the Quran, it is reported that Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a reward, and each reward is multiplied by ten. I do not say that ‘Alif-Lam-Mim’ constitutes a single letter; rather, Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter” (Tirmidhi). As for listening to the Quran, Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever listens to a verse from the Book of Allah will have a multiplied reward recorded for them, and whoever recites it, it will serve as a light for them on the Day of Judgment” (Ahmad).

Allah Almighty encourages His believing worshippers to listen attentively to the Quran when it is recited; Allah says,
“And when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy” (Quran, 7:204).

Imam al-Tabari explains in his Tafsir (10/658) that this verse instructs believers to listen attentively to the Quran in order to comprehend and contemplate its meanings, as this serves as a pathway to receiving Allah’s mercy. Imam al-Layth also said, “It is said that mercy descends most swiftly upon one who listens to the Quran, as Allah Almighty says, ‘That you may receive mercy.’ And the word ‘may’ from Allah signifies certainty” (Al-Qurtubi, Al-Jami‘ li Ahkam al-Quran by Imam al-Qurtubi, 9/1).

The Prophet’s love for listening to the Quran

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) loved to listen to the Quran recited by others, emphasizing the recommended nature of listening attentively to its recitation. Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated,
“The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told me, ‘Recite to me.’ I said, ‘Shall I recite to you when it was revealed to you?’ He replied, ‘I love to hear it from someone else.’ So, I recited to him Surat al-Nisa’, and when I reached the verse, ‘So how will it be when We bring a witness from every nation and bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these people,’ he said, ‘Stop.’ I turned to him and noticed that his eyes were filled with tears” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Imam Ibn Battal explains in Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari (10/277, Maktabat al-Rushd) that listening to the Quran recited by others facilitates deeper contemplation and understanding, as the listener is not distracted by the act of recitation. Similarly, Imam al-Nawawi wrote in Sharh Sahih Muslim (6/88, Dar Ihya’ al-Turath al-‘Arabi), “The hadith of Ibn Mas'ud offers several benefits, including the recommendation to listen attentively to the recitation, to weep during it, to reflect upon its meaning, and to encourage others to recite so that one may listen. This approach is more effective for comprehension and contemplation than reciting it by oneself. It also shows the humility and virtue of scholars, even in relation to their followers.”

 The practice of the Companions

The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would often gather and appoint one of them to recite the Quran while the others listened attentively. This was also the practice of the followers of the Companions and those who came after them, including scholars, righteous people, and worshippers. Abu Nadrah reported, “When the companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) gathered, they would discuss knowledge and recite a chapter of the Quran” (narrated by al-Khatib al-Baghdadi in Al-Jami‘ li Akhlaq al-Rawi wa Adab al-Sami‘).

The reward for listening to the Quran

A Muslim should strive to reap the rewards of all of these virtuous acts by alternating between recitation and listening. Recitation involves listening to one’s own voice, and when performed from the mushaf, it includes both visual and verbal engagement with the text. In all instances, it is essential to ensure that one’s heart is inclined towards humility, contemplation, and understanding of the verses.

However, if one is unable to recite the Quran but is able to listen attentively and concentrate to gain understanding and reflection, they will undoubtedly be commended and rewarded for their efforts within their capacity and excused for what they are unable to do. A person should strive to do what is within their capacity, as religious obligations and recommended actions are not nullified despite one’s limitations. The Islamic legal maxim, “What is possible is not nullified by what is impossible,” is applicable in this context, as Allah Almighty says,
“So fear Allah as much as you are able” (Quran, 64:16).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said,
“When I command you to do something, do as much of it as you are able” (Bukhari).

And Allah Almighty knows best