Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 181

Warning against forgetting the Qur'an

باب الأمر بتعهد القرآن والتحذير من تعريضه للنسيان‏:‏

Having praised reciting the Qur'an, this short chapter adds a caution: what we learn can slip away if we neglect it. Both hadith use the image of a tethered camel that bolts the moment it is left untended.

The lesson is gentle but clear. Memory of the Qur'an is a trust that needs regular attention, so returning to it often keeps it with us, while leaving it untouched lets it quietly fade.

Hadith 1002

Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

عن أبي موسى رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال ‏ "‏تعاهدوا هذا القرآن فوالذي نفس محمد بيده لهو أشد تفلتًا من الإبل في عقلها‏" ‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عله‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Read the Qur'an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Revisit the Qur'an steadily, because what you have memorised slips from the mind quickly, faster than a camel breaks loose and runs off if you leave it alone.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1002 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 12

Hadith 1003

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏إنما مثل صاحب القرآن كمثل الإبل المعقلة، إن عاهد عليها أمسكها، وإن أطلقها، ذهبت‏" ‏ متفق عليه‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The parable of one who knows the Qur'an by heart is as the parable of an owner of hobbled camel. If he remains vigilant, he will retain it; and if he neglects it, it will go away." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Knowing the Qur'an by heart is like keeping a tied-up camel: stay attentive and you hold on to it, grow careless and it wanders away.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1003 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 13