Question:
In hadith Sahih Bukhari (7527) The Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever does not recite the Qur’an in a pleasant, melodious voice is not from among us.”
Another narration adds: “Whoever does not recite it loudly and melodiously is not from among us.” and asks whether it is authentic and what its explanation is?
Answer:
The hadith, when translated literally, appears to say that a person who does not recite the Qur’an melodiously or in a tune is not considered among the followers of the Prophetﷺ. The chain of narration of this hadith is considered authentic. However, when we look at its meaning, it raises questions.
If it is taken literally, it seems to suggest that reciting the Qur’an without melody is a serious fault. The phrase “not from among us” is usually used by the Prophetﷺ for major sins, such as cheating or fraud. Those are clearly serious sins. But here, it seems to suggest that not reciting the Qur’an melodiously is equally serious. This creates confusion.
Islam commands act of worship according to a person’s ability. It does not impose obligations beyond one’s capacity. Reciting the Qur’an melodiously is not something everyone can do. Only those whom Allahﷻ has given a naturally pleasant voice, and musical ability can recite in a melodious tone. Someone with a rough or ordinary voice cannot easily recite in such a manner and forcing it may not sound pleasant.
Therefore, this is not something achievable by everyone. Melodious recitation is a special ability given only to certain individuals. Even many people with good voices may not have the musical sense required for melodic recitation. Since it depends partly on natural talent, Islam would not make it an obligation for everyone or declare someone outside the faith for lacking such ability.
Hence, the correct understanding of this hadith is that it refers specifically to those whom Allahﷻ has blessed with a beautiful voice and the ability to recite melodiously. If such a person deliberately refuses to recite the Qur’an beautifully despite having the ability, then the hadith criticizes that attitude. The phrase “not from among us” here is understood as strong reprimand, not expulsion from Islam.
For example, there was a companion named Abu Musa (may Allahﷻ be pleased with him) who had an extremely beautiful voice. The Prophetﷺ praised him, saying that he had been given a voice similar to the melodious recitation of Prophetﷺ Dawud (David), whose scripture, the Zabur (Psalms), was known for its musical beauty. This shows that melodic recitation is a special gift and not required from everyone.
There is also another hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophetﷺ divided Qur’an reciters into two categories. One who recites fluently and skillfully will be with the noble angels and will receive high reward. Another person who struggles, stutters, and finds recitation difficult will receive double reward — one reward for recitation and another for the effort and struggle. This clearly shows that struggling reciters are still rewarded and not blamed.
Therefore, melodic recitation is considered good and enhances the beauty and impact of the Qur’an, but it is not obligatory. Those who cannot recite melodiously still receive reward according to their effort.
Some scholars have also explained that melodic recitation is allowed with certain conditions. The melody must not distort the pronunciation or meaning of the Qur’an. Stretching letters beyond their proper limits, inserting unnatural sounds, or breaking words to fit musical patterns is considered forbidden. Qur’anic recitation must follow proper rules of pronunciation (tajweed). Scholars have warned against exaggeration in melody or reciting in styles similar to songs that alter the structure of words.
Thus, the prohibition is against distorting the Qur’an for musical effect, not against melodic recitation itself. The hadith should not be interpreted to mean that anyone who cannot recite melodiously is excluded from the Prophetﷺ’s community. Rather, it emphasizes that those who possess the ability should use it to beautify their recitation, while those who struggle still receive reward and are not blameworthy.