Zaid ibn Thabit (radiallahu anhu) was six when he lost his father. He was eleven at the time of Hijrah. He offered himself for Badr but was rejected because of his young age. He volunteered for Uhud. He was not permitted to do as we saw in the Badr story. He participated in all the campaigns.
While the Mujahidin were marching towards Tabuk, the flag of Banu Malik was held by Amarah (radiallahu anhu).
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) bade him hand over the flaq to Zaid.
Amarah (radiallahu anhu) thought that perhaps somebody had complained about him which had displeased Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
He therefore said; "O'Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), is it due to somebody complaining against me?"
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "No, but Zaid knows more Qur'an that you do. His Qur'an has given him that honor."
It was common with Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that he gave preference to the people in accordance with their virtues. Although this was an occasion of battle and knowldege of Qur'an had no bearing on the issue, yet Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) gave preference to Zaid (radiallahu anhu) for his Qur'an.
This distinction we see on other occasions as well.
When a number of dead persons had to be accommodated in one grave (as in Uhud), they buried in order of their knowledge of the Qur'an, priority being given to those who knew more of it.
Insha Allah, we will try to increase our knowledge about Qur'an.
May Allah make it easy to lean more about Qur'an. Ameen.
Useful link:
