Basket of Fragrance

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The man who has studied the Quran and recites it daily can be likened to a basket full of musk whose sweet smell is making the whole atmosphere fragrant. And the man who has studied the Quran but does not recite it may be likened to a bottle full of musk whose mouth has been sealed with a stopper.” [Tirmidhi]

Imagine scent not enclosed in liquid form in a bottle but as a mist in a basket. Wherever this basket is carried wisps of this fragrance waft out to please the senses of those around. This is how Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) looks at the Muslim who understands the teachings of the Quran and recites it as well. While the person who understands the Quran but does not recite it is like a beautiful scent that no one else can smell. In other words, the benefit of this Muslim does not reach out to others.