“Recite the Qur’ān (profusely), for it will come as an intercessor for its companions (reciters) on the Day of Resurrection.”
(Muslim)
The command in the Prophet’s words Iqra’u i.e. to read or recite refers to reading or reciting in general terms, whether that is reading from the Mushaf (a copy of the Qur’ān) or reciting from memory. The phrase “for its companions” means it will come as intercessor for those who read or recite it. It also means it should be recited constantly and regularly; for, the companion is one who constantly stays with you.
Undoubtedly the one who reads the Qur’ān, acts upon its meanings, puts it into practice and recites it correctly and constantly, will attain the pleasure of Allah and His Paradise, and he will reach the highest levels of Paradise. On the Day of Resurrection the Qur’ān will be an intercessor and advocate for its companions who act in accordance with it, whether they memorised the Qur’ān and learned it by heart, or read it from the Mushaf without memorising it.
In another hadith, the Prophet said, “The Qur’an will be brought on the Day of Resurrection, as will its people who used to act in accordance with it ….” The phrase “who used to act in accordance with it” indicates that those who read or recite it but do not act in accordance with it will not be among the people of the Qur’ān, and it will not be an intercessor for them; rather the Qur’ān will be proof against them.