Manners in Speech

Halting in one’s steps on hearing the Qur’an Abdullah ibn Abbas tells of how Uaynah ibn Hisn came to Madinah, where he stayed with his nephew, Hur ibn Qays. His youth notwithstanding, the latter numbered among those who were close to the Caliph Umar, for he was learned in the Qur’an and, whether young or old, those who were well-versed in the Qur’an were given a special place in Umar’s discussions and council meetings. Uaynah, therefore, asked his nephew to use his good offices with the Caliph to obtain permission for an audience. Umar then agreed to meet Uaynah who, addressing the Caliph as “son of Khattab,’’ said to him, “No riches do you bestow upon us, neither do you treat us justly.” At this, Umar became angry and was about to descend upon Uaynah, when Hur ibn Qays said to him: “Commander of the Faithful, God told His Prophet to ‘show forgiveness, enjoin justice and turn away from the ignorant.” (7:199) Truly, this man is ignorant.” Abdullah ibn Abbas relates how, upon hearing this verse, Umar did not advance by so much as an inch. It was his way to halt in his steps whenever he heard a recitation from the Qur’an. (AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH)