Al-A'raf 7:204

<h2>The Order to listen to the Qur'an</h2><p>After Allah mentioned that this Qur'an is a clear evidence, guidance and mercy for mankind, He commanded that one listen to the Qur'an when it is recited, in respect and honor of the Qur'an. This is to the contrary of the practice of the pagans of Quraysh, who said, </p><div class="arabic uthmani">لاَ تَسْمَعُواْ لِهَـذَا الْقُرْءَانِ وَالْغَوْاْ فِيهِ</div><p>("Listen not to this Qur'an, and make noise in the midst of its (recitation)") 41:26. Ibn Jarir reported that Ibn Mas`ud said; "We would give Salams to each other during Salah. So the Ayah of Qur'an was revealed; </p><div class="arabic uthmani">وَإِذَا قُرِىءَ الْقُرْءَانُ فَاسْتَمِعُواْ لَهُ</div><p>(When the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it.) </p>

And when the Qur'an is recited, give ear to it and pay heed, that ye may obtain mercy.

When the Qur'an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive Mercy.

So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy. [i.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when the Imam (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Surat Al-Fatiha), and also when he is delivering the Friday-prayer Khutbah]. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol. 9, Pages 162-4]

When the Quran is recited, listen to it, and pay attention, so that you may experience mercy.