The virtue of learning and teaching the Quran is a subject the Prophet ﷺ summed up in a single sentence: the best of people are those who learn the Quran and teach it to others. In this article we look at the meaning of this hadith, the value of learning and teaching the Quran, and simple ways to begin at home and in the community.
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The hadith: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it”
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Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
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«خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ»
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“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari)
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This short sentence carries two clear messages. First, the measure of excellence is engagement with the Quran, not wealth or status. Second, learning alone is not enough; the value of the work is completed when we pass on what we have learned to others.
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Why must learning and teaching go together?
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In every Quran class there are two roles: the student and the teacher. Islam honors both. The student walks the path of light through effort, and the teacher passes it on and keeps it alive. If everyone learned only for themselves, the chain would be broken; but when each person teaches another, Quranic knowledge continues from generation to generation. The maktabkhanehs of our region kept the Quran alive for centuries in just this way.
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The Quran itself describes this path as made easy: “And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” (Al-Qamar: 17).
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Other virtues of learning the Quran in the hadiths
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- The intercession of the Quran: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Recite the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions.” (Narrated by Muslim)
- A double reward for the beginner: The Prophet ﷺ explained that one who is skilled in the Quran is with the noble and righteous angels, and that one who recites it with difficulty and stumbling has a double reward. (Agreed upon)
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The second hadith gives hope to everyone who has just begun, to children and to adults who started late: the hardship of learning does not prevent the reward.
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Age and level do not matter
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Learning and teaching the Quran is not limited to any one group. A child can learn the letters of the Quran, a teenager can help a younger classmate, a mother can teach her child a verse, and a father can take his children to a Quran class. Anyone can teach others what they know, even a single verse.
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Practical ways to begin
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- Find a class near home. Set aside a few hours a week for a Quran class.
- Read a few verses every day. Regularity matters more than quantity.
- Pass on what you have learned. Teach a member of your family what you have learned.
- Thank the teachers. Quran teachers do a great work quietly.
- Accompany children with love. Encouragement is better than pressure.
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Learning and teaching the Quran at the Sadr al-Islam Complex in Bandar Khamir
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The Quranic Deputyship of the Sadr al-Islam Religious Complex in Bandar Khamir works to teach and memorize the Holy Quran and to revive and advance Quranic culture, from the Quran kindergarten for children to the maktabkhaneh and memorization classes. To learn about the Quranic units and districts, visit the Quranic Deputyship page; for questions or registration, use the Contact Us page; and read more articles in the Articles section.
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Frequently asked questions
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What is the virtue of learning and teaching the Quran?
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According to a sound hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari, the best of people are those who learn the Quran and teach it. Learning the Quran is valuable both for the individual and for the community.
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Is it too late to start learning the Quran?
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No. The hadith says that whoever recites the Quran with difficulty has a double reward, and any age is a good time to begin.
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If I do not know the whole Quran, can I teach others?
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Yes. You can pass on what you have learned, even a single verse, with care and in coordination with a knowledgeable teacher. For tajwid and correct recitation, it is best to rely on an experienced teacher.
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Conclusion
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Learning and teaching the Quran is a simple and accessible path to the highest ranks. Take one step today: find a class, learn a verse, and teach it to someone around you.