The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) declared, “The carriers of Quran are surrounded with the mercy of Allah and clothed with the light of Allah – Mighty and Majestic be He.[1]”

He (s.a.w.a.) also prophesied, “The carriers of Quran are the scholars of the people of Paradise, the strugglers in the way of Allah are its guides and the messengers (a.s.) are the chiefs of the people of Paradise.[2]”

And “The noblest of my nation are the carriers of Quran and those who keep up the night-vigil prayers.[3]”

Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) ordered, “Recite the Quran and memorize it because Allah – the High – will not punish a heart that contains the Quran.[4]”

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) laid down the criteria of the carriers of Quran as follows: Surely, the worthiest of men in fearing (Allah) secretly and openly are the carriers of Quran. The worthiest of men secretly and openly in prayers and fasting are the carriers of Quran.[5]”

From the above traditions, it is clear that ‘to carry the Holy Quran’ implies learning it, memorizing it and acting upon its teachings. If one merely learns the Quran but does not act upon it, then his likeness will be of the Jews whom the Quran has castigated and likened them to donkeys carrying books. “The likeness of those who were charged with the Taurat, then they did not observe it, is as the likeness of the ass bearing books, evil is the likeness of the people who reject the communications of Allah; and Allah does not guide the unjust people.[6]”

[1] Jaame’ al-Akhbaar, p. 115, H. 202

[2] Mustadrak al-Wasaael, vol. 11, p. 7, H. 12275

[3] Al-Khesaal, p. 7, H. 21

[4] Jaame’ al-Akhbaar, p. 115, H. 205

[5] Al-Kaafi, vol. 2, p. 604, H. 5

[6] Surah Jumuah (62): Verse 5