Self-guidance for Learning the Qur’an
The Qur’an is the word of Allah Almighty that was revealed to His Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel as the last legislation for the world to guide humanity to the right path. As a result, Allah protected the Qur’an from distortion.
Allah says:
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
– Qur’an (15:9)
The importance of learning the Qur’an
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
– Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027)
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of learning and teaching the Qur’an to others, as it is considered a great form of worship and a way to spread guidance. What could be more honorable than learning and teaching the word of Allah? The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged us to read and recite the Quran, as it will intercede for its reciters on the Day of Judgment.
“Read the Qur’an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.”
– Hadith (Muslim Riyad as-Salihin 991)
In this article, you will find steps for starting to learn the Qur’an and reflecting on it, with the hope of guiding your soul to the path of truth and peace of mind.
7 Steps to Master Learning the Qur’an
1- Tawakkul
Tawakkul is to have complete trust in Allah (swt). Focus your attention and ask Allah Almighty to help you in your journey of learning the Qur’an, and continue to make du’aa. Do not lose hope in Allah, no matter how difficult the journey may be!
“My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
– Qur’an (20:114)
“Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him, I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.”
– Qur’an (9:129)
2- Learn Arabic reading
While Arabic is the language of the Qur’an, learning how to read Arabic is crucial for mastering Qur’an recitation. One can achieve this by studying Arabic reading materials. Here are some popular books that will guide you in mastering the art of reading Arabic.
- Noorani Qa’idah
- Al-Baghdadiya
- Nour Al-Bayan
These books will help you understand the foundational rules of reading Arabic, such as Arabic letters, pronunciation rules, long vowels, short vowels, and all the reading rules you need to master Arabic reading. You can also enroll in foundational Arabic reading courses for complete instructions on learning Arabic reading. To learn more about our Arabic courses, click here.
3-Learn Tajweed
To truly master the art of reciting the holy Qur’an, the next crucial step is to thoroughly grasp the rules of tajweed. “Tajweed,” which means “improvement” in Arabic, encompasses a comprehensive set of guidelines for the precise pronunciation of letters, encompassing all their qualities, as well as the application of various traditional methods of recitation. Essentially, tajweed involves giving each letter its rightful emphasis when reciting the Qur’an. You can attain proficiency in tajweed by delving into its rules or enrolling in specialized educational courses. In this era of remarkable technological advancements, a plethora of resources, some of which are freely accessible, are available to facilitate the learning process. To find out more about our Tajweed courses, click here.
4- Practice daily
Mastering Arabic reading and Tajweed requires unwavering daily practice. Devoting just five or ten minutes a day can significantly reinforce your understanding of the rules. With consistent practice, your ability to pronounce the letters correctly will become effortless. Remember, practice makes perfect!
5- Listen to a skilled reciter
While practicing reading Arabic, it’s helpful to improve your skills by listening to skilled reciters, repeating and imitating their pronunciation, recording yourself, comparing it to the original reading, and correcting any mistakes. Also, consider listening to a reader you enjoy listening to to make the experience more enjoyable. Remember, it’s important to work on improving both your reading and listening skills. Here are some of the world’s top reciters to inspire you.
- Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais
- Sheikh Ahmad Ali Al-Ajmi
- Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary
- Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad
6- Start reading short surahs
Starting to read a long surah from the Qur’an at first may be overwhelming for you. It is preferable to begin with short surahs and verses and read separate Arabic words. It is also possible to specify a specific number of verses to read daily, such as one or two verses at first. It is also important to read slowly at the beginning to give each letter its due value. Do not rush the results, and do not be harsh on yourself.
7- Learn with a Qur’an teacher
On your journey to learn the Qur’an, especially as a beginner, having a Quran tutor is essential for receiving correct instructions and making the learning process easier. The tutor will provide constant instructions on reading and memorizing the Holy Qur’an and will closely monitor your progress, correct mistakes, and ensure thorough repetition of verses. While you may consider learning on your own, having a teacher significantly reduces the difficulty of the learning process. Remember, with every struggle in learning, Allah will multiply your reward.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur’an will be with the honorable and obedient scribes (angels) and he who recites the Qur’an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have two rewards.”
– Hadith (Al-Bukhari and Muslim Riyad as-Salihin 994)
“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.”
-Hadith (At- Tirmidhi Riyad as-Salihin 999)
Now that you have learned how to study the Qur’an as a beginner and have a comprehensive plan, it’s time to start learning immediately. To learn more about our Qur’an classes, join us now and click here.
