Explanation

The Hadīth contains criticism of the reciters of the Qur’an who misinterpret it and misapply it or memorize the Qur’an as a means of dissimulation and to avert suspicion away from themselves. However, they do not act according to the Qur’an and their beliefs are contrary to it. The Hadīth states that these reciters are the majority of the hypocrites of this Ummah (community). Some scholars stated that the Hadīth refers to hypocrisy of actions, and not belief. This is because a hypocrite outwardly shows belief in Allah and hides his disbelief in order to protect his life and property. Likewise, the reciter outwardly shows by his actions that he wants the reward of the Hereafter, while he hides the fact that he wants to be praised by people and gain worldly benefit. Therefore, the reciter and the hypocrite are similar in that their internal state contradicts their external state.