Hadith ~ The metaphor of a believer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The metaphor of a believer who recites the Qur'an is that of a citron - its scent is fragrant and its taste is good. The metaphor of a believer who does not recite the Qur'an is that of a date - it has no scent but its taste is sweet. The metaphor of a hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is that of basil - its scent is fragrant but its taste is bitter. The metaphor of a hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an is that of colocynth - it has no scent and its taste is bitter." [Agreed upon]

Riyad as-Salihin (The Meadows of the Righteous) of Iman Mohieddine Annawawi 631-676. Chapter 180, Hadith 995.