Narrated from ʿAbdullāh Ibn Masʿūd (رضي الله عنه) who said: “Indeed, there are people who recite the Qurʾān, but it it does not exceed past their necks. For if it was to enter their hearts, finding a foothold therein, they would have derived benefit from it.”¹

Ibn Rajab comments:

Beneficial knowledge is that which affects the heart, instilling within it knowledge of Allāh and His greatness, while stipulating true knowledge-based fear of Him, exaltation of Him, testifying as to His magnanimity and showing love for Him. If these things are able to settle and find tranquillity within one’s heart, it is humbled such that his limbs are likewise humbled in accordance with it.

Endnotes:
[1] Authentic: narrated by Muslim: 822

Source: Majmūʿ Rasāʾil: 16
Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī