What is the interpretation of the verse: "So listen to it and pay attention"? And what is the point of consensus and disagreement regarding it? And is it permissible to open the Mushaf while reading the newspaper, studying, or working?

The verse, "And when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention," means listening intently to understand its verses and benefit from its admonitions, and remaining silent and humble to comprehend it. Scholars of interpretation have differed regarding the situation in which Allah commanded listening. Some said it is during prayer behind the Imam, others said it is when the Imam recites the Qur'an during his sermon, and some said it is in both situations. Al-Tabari favored that it applies to both prayer and the sermon. Many exegetes have agreed that the listening mentioned in the verse applies to both obligatory and supererogatory prayers.