Nasai

1664. Commentary: Apparently, from the hadith it is understood that reciting the Qur’an in a low voice is more virtuous, because giving charity secretly is certainly more virtuous. (And if you conceal it and give it to the poor, it is better for you) (: al-Baqarah 2:271). However, when the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) saw Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) reciting quietly during the night prayer (tahajjud), he instructed him, “Recite a little louder.” And when he heard Umar (radi Allahu anhu) reciting in a very loud voice, he said, “Recite a little more quietly.” Furthermore, Allah the Exalted said to the Noble Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) regarding recitation in prayer: (Do not recite your prayer too loudly, nor too quietly, but seek a way between the two) (: Bani Isra’il 17:110). From this, it is understood that reciting in a moderate voice is more virtuous, and this is the correct view. In the hadith of the chapter, “loud voice” refers to an excessively loud voice, in which there is also the possibility of showing off (riya’), and it can cause discomfort and disturbance to other worshippers, those resting, and the sick. Or, when there is a risk of ostentation in reciting aloud, then reciting quietly is more virtuous.