We can learn about the Quran's impact on the lives of the Salaf i.e. Sahaba, Tabi’in, and Tabe Tabi’in, by studying their sayings and statements.

Amirul Muminin Usman Ibn Affan (RA) once remarked, "If our hearts were pure, we would never be satisfied with reading the Quran. I dislike it very much if a day passes without reciting the Quran." (Al-Asma Wassifat, Baihaqi, Narration 524)

Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA) advised, "Our hearts are vessels, and they are constantly filled with thoughts and feelings. Therefore, occupy your heart with the Qur'an and not with anything else." (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaiba, Narration 30633)

Hasan Ibn Ali (RA) once said, "Those who came before you regarded the Qur'an as a personal letter from Allah to them. They would contemplate it deeply through the night and live by it during the day. They acted in accordance with its teachings." (Attibayan Fi Adabi Hamalatil Quran p.54)

Hasan Basri (RA) stated, "Whoever wants to know what they are truly like should examine themselves in the light of the Qur'an. The Qur'an is the word of Allah, and those who love it demonstrate their love for Allah." (Kitabuz Zuhad, Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak, Narration 38; Assunnah, Abdullah Ibn Ahmad, Narration 125)

If we delve into the events that highlight the Salaf's relationship with the Qur'an, as documented in Islamic history books and biographies, we can truly grasp how cherished the Qur'an was to them. Every word of the Qur'an left a profound impact on their hearts. They did not allow their busy schedules to hinder the recitation of the Qur'an. Sometimes they spent a whole night reciting a single verse. Their dedication to reciting the Qur'an knew no bounds, and they never tired of it; their thirst for it was unquenchable. Whenever they found a moment, they would engage in reciting the Qur'an. Even after a day filled with responsibilities, they would stand in prayer, reciting the Qur'an at night. Countless such instances are found in historical records, in the biographies of the Salafs and sages spanning various eras.

Indeed, the Qur'an was etched into their minds, ingrained in their thoughts, and embedded in their hearts and souls, becoming an integral part of their very being.

Through repeated recitation of the Qur'an, they incorporated every word into their lives. They recited each verse so many times that everything described in the Qur'an became like real things seen by eyes. The constant, unbreakable bond they maintained with the Qur'an guided and motivated them, providing solace and assurance. They viewed the Qur'an as a medium of communication with Allah.

They remained preoccupied with the Quran and its guidance, lest the worldly affairs should distract or ensnare them. The remembrance of Allah and the Hereafter never slipped from their thoughts.

The teachings, rules, messages, adornments and miracles of the Quran were foods for their thoughts all day and night. The Quran consistently illuminated their path. Confronting any circumstance, they found answers within the Qur'an.

They acquired the knowledge of the Din and Shari'ah through the teachings and practices of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). By immersing themselves in the Qur'an, they kept this knowledge fresh and alive, ensuring that no aspect of Islam was ever neglected. Allah has granted the Qur'an as a source of remembrance. The Quran always directs the believers toward their ultimate goals, reminds them of their duties, and keeps them steadfast on their path.

 In short, the Quran was the spring of their hearts as stated in the following Hadith-

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ، ابْنُ عَبْدِكَ، ابْنُ أَمَتِكَ، نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ، أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ، سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ، أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ، أَوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ، أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي، وَنُورَ بَصَرِي، وَجِلَاءَ حُزْنِي، وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي.

O Allah, I am your servant, the son of your servant, the son of your handmaid, and at your disposal; my forelock is in your hand; your judgment is effective regarding me; just concerning me is your decree; I ask you by every name you have by which you have called yourself, or sent down in your Book, or taught any of your creatures, or kept to yourself in the hidden place of the unseen, to make the Qur’an the Spring of my heart and the means of clearing away my care and grief.

Musannaf Abi shaibah, hadith: 29930; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 3712; Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith:972