Surah Al-A’raf Ayat 204 in Arabic Text
English Translation
Here you can read various translations of verse 204
So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.
When the Qur’an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive Mercy.
So when the Qur’an is recited, listen carefully to it, and keep silent so that you may, be shown mercy.’
So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy. [i.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when the Imam (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Surat Al-Fatiha), and also when he is delivering the Friday-prayer Khutbah]. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol. 9, Pages 162-4]
And when the Qur’an is recited, give ear to it and pay heed, that ye may obtain mercy.
And when the Qur’an is read, then listen to it and hearken, that possibly you would be granted mercy..
so pay attention and listen quietly when the Quran is recited, so that you may be given mercy.’
اور جب قرآن پڑھا جایا کرے تو اس کی طرف کان لگا دیا کرو اور خاموش رہا کرو امید ہے کہ تم پر رحمت ہو
Quran 7 Verse 204 Explanation
For those looking for commentary to help with the understanding of Surah Al-A’raf ayat 204, we’ve provided two Tafseer works below. The first is the tafseer of Abul Ala Maududi, the second is of Ibn Kathir.
Ala-Maududi
(7:204) So when the Qur’an is recited, listen carefully to it, and keep silent so that you may, be shown mercy.’[153]
153. The unbelievers are asked to shed their prejudice and to abandon their deliberate indifference to the Qur’an. Whenever the Qur’an is recited to them, they stuff their fingers into their ears and make a lot of noise lest they or any others hear the Qur’an. They should better behave more maturely and make an effort to grasp the teachings of the Qur’an. It is quite likely that their study, of the Book would ultimately make them share with Muslims the blessings of the Qur’an. This is an excellent, subtle and heart-winning approach which simply cannot be over-praised. Those who are interested in learning the art of effective preaching can benefit immensely by, pondering over this Qur’anic verse.
The main purpose of the verse has also been explained. By implication, however, the verse also enjoins people to be silent and to listen attentively to the Qur’an when it is being recited. The verse also provides the basis of the rule that when the leader (imam) is reciting verses of the Qur’an in Prayer, the followers in the congregation should (refrain from reciting and) listen to the recitation in silence. There is some disagreement among scholars on this issue. Abu Hanifah and his disciples are of the view that the followers in the congregation should remain silent, irrespective of whether the the imam is reciting the Qur’an aloud or silently in his mind. On the other hand, Malik and Ahmad b. Hanbal are of the opinion that the followers in the congregation should listen silently only when the Qur’an is being recited aloud. According to Shafi’i, the followers in the congrega tion should also recite the Qur’an regardless of whether the imam is reciting the Qur’an aloud or silently’. His view is based on the Hadith that Prayer without recitation of al-Fatihah is void. (See Ibn Rushd, Bidayat al-Mujtahid, vol. 1, pp. 149-50; Ibn Qudamah, al-Mughni, vol. 1, pp. 562-9 – Ed.)
Ibn-Kathir
204. So, when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy.
After Allah mentioned that this Qur’an is a clear evidence, guidance and mercy for mankind, He commanded that one listen to the Qur’an when it is recited, in respect and honor of the Qur’an. This is to the contrary of the practice of the pagans of Quraysh, who said,
(“Listen not to this Qur’an, and make noise in the midst of its (recitation)”) ﴿41:26﴾. Ibn Jarir reported that Ibn Mas`ud said; “We would give Salams to each other during Salah. So the Ayah of Qur’an was revealed;
(When the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it.)
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