Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) explains regarding the statement of Allah Almighty (the command of Allah Almighty is): "Do not recite your prayer loudly, nor keep it too low." Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that this verse was revealed when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was spending time secretly in Makkah. When he used to lead his companions in prayer, he would recite the Holy Qur'an aloud. When the polytheists heard it, they would speak ill of the Qur'an, the One who revealed it, and the one who brought it. So Allah commanded His Prophet: "Do not recite your prayer loudly," meaning do not recite so loudly that the polytheists hear it and speak ill of the Qur'an. The command of Allah Almighty is: "And do not keep it too low," meaning do not keep it so low from your companions that they cannot hear it. (The command of Allah Almighty is:) "And seek a way between these."