“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’ān and teach it.”
He (the narrator) said: Abu Abdur-Rahmān taught (the Qur’ān) during the caliphate of ʿUthmān until the time of al-Ḥajjāj, and he said: That is what has caused me to sit in this seat of mine (i.e., to dedicate myself to teaching the Qur’ān).

Reported by al-Bukhāri, (no. 5027), from the narration of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (may Allah be pleased with him).
Also reported by al-Bukhāri, (no. 5028), with the wording: “Indeed, the best of you are those who learn the Qur’ān and teach it.”

Brief Explanation of the Hadith

The Noble Qur’ān is the greatest and most honored of all books. Whoever holds firmly to it will prosper and be saved, and whoever turns away from it will go astray and perish. This Ummah will remain in a state of goodness so long as it adheres to the Qur’ān —through its recitation and implementation. Among the means that help preserve this connection is the commitment to learning and teaching it, for it is the path to guidance and righteousness. Giving it due attention is a religious necessity. For this reason, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) directed in this ḥadīth to that which fulfills this objective. He clarified that the best, most virtuous, and highest in rank among this Ummah—from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), and those who follow them until the Day of Judgment—are those who learn the Qur’ān and teach it. This includes its recitation, memorization of its words and letters, understanding and interpreting its meanings—whether in full or in part—done sincerely for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure, and acting upon its morals, manners, and rulings. Whoever combines all of that attains this excellence and is included in the saying of Allah (may He be exalted): {And who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, does righteous deeds, and says, “Indeed, I am of the Muslims”} Fussilat: 33. Teaching the Qur’ān is one of the forms of calling to Allah — in fact, it is the highest and most honorable rank of daʿwah (calling to Allah).
The narrator then mentioned that Abū ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Sulamī—one of the leading Tābiʿīn—taught people the Qur’ān from the caliphate of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (may Allah be pleased with him) until the time of al-Ḥajjāj ibn Yūsuf al-Thaqafī. This was a long period that exceeded forty years. He clarified that what made him sit in that position and remain in that noble gathering was the virtue mentioned in this ḥadīth. It is an elevated status and an honored assembly that he attained through the blessing of teaching the Qur’ān to people. That is the height of honor—for the noblest of endeavors is learning and teaching the Qur’ān. Since the best of speech is the speech of Allah, then likewise, the best of people after the prophets are those who learn and teach the words of Allah.
This ḥadīth highlights the virtue and lofty status of the Qur’ān, and the great honor of learning it and teaching it.