Mustadrak al-Hakim — Hadith 6434

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both); he said: I was sitting with Sayyiduna Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) when a letter came to him with the news that such-and-such a number of the people of Kufah had recited (memorised) the Qur'an. So he proclaimed the greatness of Allah (out of joy). I said: "Will they differ among themselves?" He said (with displeasure): "Shame! How would you know that?" Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: I became angry (at his rebuke) and went home. Then a little later he sent for me, and I made an excuse, but he said: "I urge you strongly to come without fail." So I came to him, and he said: "You said something." I said: I seek forgiveness from Allah, and I will not say such a thing again. He said: "I insist that you repeat to me what you said." I said: (The letter) said that so many people had recited the Qur'an, and I said that they will differ. He asked: "On what basis did you come to know that?" I said: I have read this verse: "And among the people is he whose speech pleases you in the life of this world, and he calls Allah to witness what is in his heart", until I reached the verse: "And Allah does not love corruption." [Surah al-Baqarah: 204 - 205] So when they (the hypocrites) do that, the person of the Qur'an (the sincere believer) will not be able to keep silent. Then I recited these verses: "And when it is said to him, 'Fear Allah', his pride drives him to sin. So Hell is sufficient for him, and what an evil resting place it is. And among the people is he who sells himself seeking the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is Most Kind to His servants." [Surah al-Baqarah: 206 - 207] Then Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "You have spoken the truth, by the One in whose Hand is my soul (this is indeed the reality)."
This hadith is sahih (authentic) on the condition of the two Shaykhs (Bukhari and Muslim).