Does listening to the Qur’an without wudu’, such as when one is on a public bus, mean not receiving reward or merit?

Listening to and pondering the Quran is required and commendable, and it does not necessitate ablution. Allah Almighty commanded us to ponder His verses, listen to them, and pay attention. The Prophet, peace be upon him, clarified that "whoever listens to a verse from the Book of Allah, a multiplied good deed will be written for him." The reward accrues to both the one in a state of ablution and the one not, as there is no evidence that stipulates ablution for the listener.