Dear God.

I learnt something new today. There is a difference between hearing and listening. Although both uses the ears but there's a huge difference in both. Subhanallah!

Hearing is the physical act done by the ears. One can hear voices or sounds or echo but not necessarily any action is done pursuant to hearing. Listening on the other hand, is hearing and then committing oneself to do the action with heart and soul. 

When I heard that, I realised that maybe in my distractedness with my studies and worldly affairs, I've been hearing the Quran and not listening. Perhaps that I've just been reading the Quran and without appraising it.

I need to go back to the ayah that mentions, "We have listened and obeyed (Surah Al-Baqara: ayah 285). Anyone can hear but it takes effort and determination to listen. 

Letters to God

by Norhafsah Hamid
(page 138)