Hadith: The example of the companion of the Qur’an is like the owner of tied camels. If he keeps them tied, he will hold them; but if he releases them, they will run away

عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:
«إِنَّمَا مَثَلُ صَاحِبِ القُرْآنِ كَمَثَلِ صَاحِبِ الإِبِلِ المُعَقَّلَةِ، إِنْ عَاهَدَ عَلَيْهَا أَمْسَكَهَا، وَإِنْ أَطْلَقَهَا ذَهَبَتْ».
[صحيح] - [متفق عليه] - [صحيح البخاري: 5031]

Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"The example of the companion of the Qur’an is like the owner of tied camels. If he keeps them tied, he will hold them; but if he releases them, they will run away."
[Authentic hadith] - [Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim] - [Sahih Bukhari - 5031]

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) compared the one who studies the Qur’an and is accustomed to reciting it—whether by looking at the Mus'haf or from memory—to a person with camels tied from their knees with a rope. If he keeps them tied, he will keep hold of them, but if he unties them, they will run away and escape. Similarly, when the companion of the Qur’an recites it, he remembers it, and if he neglects it, he forgets it. As long as the connection is regularly maintained, the memorization remains intact.

Benefits from the Hadith

1. Encouraging regularly maintaining the connection with the Qur’an and reciting it, and being cautious against exposing it to forgetfulness.
2. Constantly reciting the Qur’an humbles the tongue and makes its recitation easier. However, if it is neglected, recitation becomes difficult and burdensome.
3. Al-Qādi said: The meaning of "the companion of the Qur’an" is: the one who is familiar with it. Companionship: being familiar with. This is the same as saying: So-and-so is the companion of so-and-so or referring to the "companions of Paradise" and the "companions of Hellfire."
4. Using examples is one of the methods of Da‘wah (calling people to Islam).
5. Ibn Hajar said: He mentioned camels specifically because they are the most difficult domestic animals to tame. It is challenging to regain control over them once they have become accustomed to their freedom.