Can Listening Also Be an Act of Worship?

In the comprehensive and rich framework of Islam, the concept of worship extends far beyond merely performing specific rituals and devotional acts such as prayer and fasting. Worship, in the Quranic perspective and the prophetic tradition, encompasses every good deed performed with sincere intention to gain divine pleasure. With this broad definition, 'listening' can certainly transform into a deep and fruitful act of worship in various forms, provided it is done with attentiveness, sincere intention (qurbah), and purpose. The Holy Quran explicitly and implicitly refers to the importance of listening on the path of guidance and perfection. One of the most prominent examples of listening as an act of worship is listening attentively to the sacred verses of the Holy Quran. Allah Almighty states in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 204: “And when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” This verse not only commands 'hearing' but specifically 'istima’ (deep and attentive listening) and 'insat' (complete silence and focus). The purpose of this listening is to attain divine mercy, and no act that leads to drawing the Lord’s mercy is outside the realm of worship. The more a person listens to the words of truth with presence of heart and reflection, the greater its impact on their soul and spirit. It leads to contemplation, fosters humility, and increases faith, all of which are pillars of true worship. Beyond listening to the Quran, listening to righteous speech and beneficial advice can also take on a worshipful dimension. Allah says in Surah Az-Zumar, verses 17-18: “So give good tidings to My servants, who listen to the word and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are the ones possessing understanding.” In these verses, listening to speech (which can include the words of Allah, prophets, scholars, and any truthful or wise discourse) and then choosing the best of it, is presented as one of the characteristics of those who are given glad tidings and is a sign of divine guidance and wisdom. Listening with the aim of discerning truth from falsehood, benefiting from beneficial knowledge, and implementing it in life, is undoubtedly an act that brings divine pleasure and is considered a form of worship. This shows that Islam advises Muslims to always be learning, and hearing knowledge and wisdom is also a form of worship. Furthermore, listening to the words and problems of others with the intention of helping, empathizing, and fulfilling the rights of brotherhood and sisterhood, can be considered a form of social worship. In Islam, serving creation and fulfilling the needs of believers holds a high status and carries immense reward. When an individual patiently and attentively listens to another's distress, they are in effect embarking on a path of goodness, bringing comfort and hope. This act of listening is a sign of 'ihsan' (goodness) and 'rahmah' (mercy), which are highly praised attributes in the sight of Allah. Even silence in the face of idle talk or backbiting, and refraining from participating in it—which is itself a form of active non-listening—can be considered an act of 'wara' (piety) and taqwa (God-consciousness) and thus an act of worship. Listening to the signs of creation and pondering over them is also a form of worship. The Holy Quran repeatedly invites humanity to observe and reflect on the heavens, the earth, animals, and plants. Listening to the sounds of nature, the chirping of birds, the rustle of the wind, and the roar of water, if done with the intention of recognizing the Creator's greatness and showing gratitude for His blessings, draws the heart towards divine knowledge and is itself a form of 'contemplative' and 'heartfelt' worship. This type of listening liberates a person from heedlessness and brings them closer to the state of servitude. Ultimately, for listening to transform into worship, its intention and purpose are vital. If listening is aimed at spiritual growth, acquiring beneficial knowledge, acting upon religious teachings, or serving creation and seeking Allah’s pleasure, it will undoubtedly be considered an act of worship. Therefore, every moment of life spent with a sincere intention and in the path of truth can take on the color of worship, and listening is no exception to this rule. This broad perspective on worship connects all aspects of a Muslim's life with spirituality, offering them the opportunity to be in a state of servitude and closeness to the Divine presence at all times.