What is the difference between listening (istimaa') and being silent (insaat) when the Holy Quran is recited, as mentioned in the verse: "...And when the Qur'an is recited, listen to it and be silent..."?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Listening and giving ear are synonymous in meaning, though it is said that "giving ear" encompasses listening and adds an extra meaning. Listening is attentive hearing with exaggeration in it, and giving ear is listening while abandoning speech. Listening may be used metaphorically to mean compliance, while giving ear combines attentive hearing and abandoning idle talk.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 56112
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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