Is it permissible to listen to the Quran at a low volume while engaging in activities and conversing, or is it obligatory to listen attentively and adhere to Allah’s saying: “And when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy” (7:204)? And does the plural pronoun in the verse address all Muslims or only during prayer?

It is best for a Muslim to devote himself to listening to the Qur’an and pondering its meanings, in order to attain the mercy mentioned in the verse: "And when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy." If one is busy but has a recording of the Qur’an playing, he should try to listen as much as possible. However, it is not obligatory according to the majority of scholars. Ibn Abbas understood the command in the verse to refer to prayer, while some of the Salaf interpreted it to mean prayer and the sermon. Al-Qurtubi narrated the consensus of the exegetes that listening in the verse applies to both obligatory and non-obligatory prayers. Therefore, one should strive to listen to the Qur’an and ponder its meanings. There is no sin if a preoccupation prevents one from listening and paying attention.