Introduction
The Holy Quran is not just a book to more than a billion Muslims in the world, but an exact unchanged word of Allah (SWT), a divine revelation delivered to provide the final source of guidance, mercy and light. It is the last testament, a plan of living, and a close contact to the Creator. Reading the Quran is a central element of the Islamic faith and practice, an activity that feeds the soul, enlightens the mind and cleanses the heart. The meaning of this divine book can be summarized immensely in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ): the best of you are those who study the Quran and recite it (Sahih al-Bukhari). This is a very strong message that makes learning and teaching Quran one of the most virtuous acts in Islam a tool of attaining excellence in this life, as well as the Hereafter.
The article is an emotional guide to Muslims of all ages and backgrounds, whether you are a complete beginner who has never seen the Arabic script, the person who can read but says that he/she should do it better, the parent who wants to guide his/her children, or the devout Muslim who wanted to get even deeper into the knowledge. The learning process of Quran is an individual and highly fruitful process and there is never too late to start. We are here to shine light on all the avenues there are, in the traditional classroom setting and the new online Quran forums and to offer you tips, some practical, effective, which can assist you to take this holy trail with confidence, sincerity and joy.
Knowledge of the Intention (Niyyah)
The initial and the most important is the purification of the intention (Niyyah) before going into the methodologies and resources. All acts in Islam are evaluated based on the intent and acts of worship are carried out only in the name of Allah (SWT) taking pleasure. This virtue of sincerity (Ikhlas) is the most important when studying the Quran.
The Quran must be learned as a first and foremost act of worship (Ibadah) rather than as an academic endeavor, or a cultural practice. The purpose is to reach the Countenance of Allah, to bring near to Him, to learn His message, and to change their life in the His divine will. Although the advantages of studying the Quran are enormous: the stimulation of the mind, mastery of language and belonging to a community, one should consider them as the blessed by-products of a main spiritual life activity.
It is also necessary to keep on checking and reaffirming intention. Question yourself: Am I doing this to please Allah, or to get the praise of people? lest I learn to recite beautifully to make a display, but to bow my heart before my Lord? It takes a conscious effort to balance the need to have worldly benefit and the need to enhance spiritual growth. Start your experience with a genuine du'a (supplication) to Allah to endow you with pure intentions, useful information and capacity to take action on what you learn. Such a basis of Ikhlas will make it so that all letters you recite, all the rules you learn can count as a source of divine reward and spiritual elevation.
The Right Path to Learn the Quran
The learning process of Quran is complex. It is not the one-dimensional road but a range of skills that develop each other. These various dimensions will be useful in understanding the directions to take.
The learning process of how to read the Arabic Script
Learning how to read the Quran in the original language, Arabic is the first very tangible step that the majority of beginners face. This may appear overwhelming to some but with time and perseverance it is a goal that can be attained by anybody.
- Arabic Alphabet basics: This starts with a familiarization with the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet. The letters are different in shape and sound. The trick is not only to learn the appearance of each of the letters individually but to learn how that appearance varies when the letter is linked to other letters, either at the start of a word, or in the middle, or at the end of a word. The key to reading is this.
- Correct Pronunciation (Makharij): Makharij al-Huruf is defined as the exact points of articulation out of which the sounds of the Arabic letters emerge. The correct pronunciation is quite important since a single mistake can entirely alter the meaning of a word by pronouncing a letter inaccurately. An example of this is the difference between the ha and ha. It is indistinct to a non native speaker but distinct in Arabic. Accurately learning the Makharij in the first place will spare one the habits of making errors.
- The awareness of Harakat and Madd: Arabic is vowel language. Small symbols above or below letters represent the short vowels (Harakat), which are Fathah (a), Kasrah (i), and Dammah (u) and determine the pronunciation and grammatical case of the word. Madd letters (alif, waw, yaa) denote elongation, a longer period of time of vowel sound (usually two counts). Learning these symbols is what will turn the faltering among dislodged letters to word recognition.
Mastering Tajweed
When you learn to read words then the next step is to make your recitation beautiful by Tajweed. Tajweed means in linguistic sense, to make better or to make good. The set of rules about the proper way to recite the Quran in the exact version in which it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by Jibreel (AS) is technically known as such.
- Defining and Importance of Tajweed: Tajweed is the science of giving each letter its right and due. Its correctness is its right (Sifaat), and its proper pronunciation is its correctness (Makharij). Tajweed does not aim at a form of artistic enhancement but at preventing the distortion of the Quran and reciting it in the best and most beautiful way possible since Allah deserves to be heard. It is the responsibility of any Muslim to master the fundamental guidelines, needed to be used to recite correctly.
- Rules of Tajweed: Tajweed is a beautiful and intricate set of rules, which control the stream of recitation. Key rules include:
o Idgham (Merging): Merging a letter, which is not a vowel, into a vowel.
o Ikhfaa (Hiding): The suppression of the sound of noontime saakinah or tanween.
o Iqlab (Changing): Replacing the sound of a noon saakinah or tanween with a meem.
o Qalqalah (Echoing): Echo or light bounce of some letters where they are saakin (vowelless).
o Meem and Noon Mushaddadah: The stress on these letters.
o Rules of Stopping (Waqf): How and where to stop the recitation and leave the meaning the same.
- The work of a Qualified Teacher: Although a few of the basics may be learned alone, Tajweed is notoriously hard to master without a teacher. The recitation of a Qari or Sheikh can be heard by a competent Qari or Sheikh who is able to detect small errors that the reciter cannot hear or perceive and can correct the reciter immediately and personally. This first hand feedback is priceless and a transmission of the old chain (Isnad) of reciters all the way to the Prophet (ﷺ).
Memorization (Hifz al-Qur'an)
To memorize the whole Quran or even the parts of it is a dream of many Muslims. Carriers of the Quran in their hearts (Huffaz) are greatly honoured, and a huge sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ).
- Vices of the Quran: The virtues are enormous. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: It will be said to the companion of the Quran: Recite and ascend, as you were used to recite in the world, and your rank will be the verse you end the reciting, and upon which you terminated your recitation. This shows that the rank of the memorizer in Jannah will be promoted by itself through Quran. There is also great peace through memorizing, the heart is safeguarded and there is continual interaction with the words of Allah during the day.
- Memorization Techniques: Memorization depends on techniques:
o Repetition: Repeating a verse or little section (ayah) until it is deeply stuck in the memory.
o Chunking: Divisions of longer chapters (surahs) into manageable, logical chapters.
o Listening: Repeated listening to an experienced reciter (such as Mishary Rashid Alafasy or Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais) to master the proper sound, the song, and the rhythm. This can assist in particular to aural learners.
o Writing: some memorizers find it favourable to write the verses they are learning.
- Consistency schedule: Hifz is not about how much but about consistency. There is no compromise on a fixed, daily schedule. It takes only a day or two to memorise three or five lines with rigorous revision (Murajaah) of the material covered in earlier days and the gradual and permanent improvement is achieved. Early morning just after the Fajr prayer when the mind is clear and the distractions are minimum is often the best time.
To know the meaning (Tafsir & Translation)
It is like a treasure chest without the key to read the Quran without realizing its meaning. Where recitation is rewarded, understanding opens the power of Quran to lead and change.
- The Value of Knowing What You Recite: Knowledge of the Quran enables you to consider (Tadabbur) what you hear, pay attention to the warnings and be comforted by promises. It makes your praying (Salah) more of a ritual than a talk with Allah. Allah says, then are they not reflective of the Quran, or are their hearts locked? (Quran 47:24).
- Authoritative Tafsir Resources: Tafsir means the academic interpretation and explanation of the Quran. To ordinary people, it is necessary to use reliable classical and modern Tafsirs. The best known and the most accessible ones are:
o Tafsir Ibn Kathir: A standard, highly regarded exegesis explaining verses by verses, hadiths and sayings of companions.
o Tafsir Al-Jalalayn: A brief and simplified explanation.
o Tafsir As-Sa'di: It is famous because it is written in simple language and spiritual knowledge.
- Translation and Tafsir Sessions: Learning The second method of learning is to read a good translation in your own language. Nevertheless, nothing can be translated in such a way that it will be completely deep and nuanced as the original Arabic. Hence, it is strongly suggested to participate in Quran classes or study circles that are focused on Tafsir, be it at a local mosque or an online Quran academy. An informed teacher can contextualize, discuss the details and respond to queries.
The meanings of the Quran in the day-to-day life application.
Learning Quran has the final aim of living by it. Quran refers to itself as a guidance to man (Quran 2:185). It is an everyday guide to life.
- Quran is Guidance not merely Recitation: Quran was sent to be practiced. It contains a sense of direction on all matters like faith, worship, business, family relations, social justice as well as individual behavior. A real student of the Quran is a person who permits the Quran verses to form their personalities, morals, and outlook on the world.
- Mapping Verses to the Real-Life: This is intentional; make it a habit to relate what you read to your day-to-day life. Turn to verses of patience and the promise of ease of Allah when in trouble. In times of gratitude, remember passages praising gratitude. In handling people, remember the teachings on justice, kindness and truth of the Quran.
- Living with the Quran: This entails living the Quran Morals and Teachings: and being an honest being such as Prophet Yusuf (AS), patient, such as Prophet Ayyub (AS), courageous, such as Prophet Musa (AS), and compassionate, such as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is the avoidance of prohibition and enjoinment of what it commands. This use is the real gauge to have learned the Quran.
Approaches and Techniques of learning the Quran.
Fortunately, nowadays, there are quite a few ways to study Quran, which can be adapted to various lifestyle, timeframes and study techniques.
Traditional Methods
The practices are ancient techniques that have kept the Quranic knowledge alive since centuries.
- Learning by a Mosque Teacher (Madrasa): This is the traditional one. Students take part in a local mosque or Islamic center in scheduled classes. The instructor (Ustadh/Ustadha) gives direct, face-to-face teaching, including with a physical Mushaf. Such an approach allows building a good teacher-student rapport and a sense of community within learners.
- Halqah-Style Learning Circles: Halqah (circle) is also a less formal, usually group style learning environment in which students are seated in a circle around an instructor. This produces a close learning atmosphere of recitation, Tajweed, or Tafsir. It stresses on shared education and spiritual relationship.
Modern Online Methods
Digital revolution has ensured that access to Quranic education has been achieved more easily than ever before and geographical and time limitations have been overcome.
- Online Quran Classes with Qualified Tutors: This is one of the most liked and efficient contemporary techniques. Established online Quran schools have established a network of certified teachers across the globe who deliver intimate or small group lessons to students, using video conferencing solutions. This provides an unmatched flexibility, in that you can schedule classes at times that fit you. It has the access to native Arab teachers and professional Huffaz who may not be available locally. Such systematic Quran classes usually incorporate reading, Tajweed, Hifz and Arabic language curricula.
- Mobile Apps and Digital Mushafs: there is an assortment of apps to help you on your way. These include:
o Applications that learn Arabic letter and fundamentals.
o Digital Quran applications (Mushaf) such as verse-by-verse audio recitation of renowned Qaris, multiple languages translation and Tafsir.
o Tajweed applications that have some rules explained through an example.
o Hifz apps to remind you of your memorization and revision.
- Video Lessons and Tajweed Tutorials: Thousands of free educational tutorials are available on such sites as the YouTube. There are complete playlists on how to read the Quran, series-length lessons on particular Tajweed rules and recorded lectures on Tafsir by famous scholars. Although these are great supplementary materials, they do not have the same personalized response as those of a live teacher.
Self-Study with Guidance
Guided self-study approach may work with highly disciplined people, in particular, when Ann (the student) is supported by other techniques.
- Daily Recitation Practice: Recitation is the most important practice to practice. Get a target- even five minutes a day- and occupy yourself with that. Regularity is much greater than the intermittent lengthy periods.
- Listening to Renowned Qaris: Listening to great recitations of the likes of Abdul Basit Abdul Samad, Mishary Rashid Alafasy, Maher Al Muaiqly and Salah Bukhatir is ear-training. It assists you to internalize the proper pronunciation, rhythm (Maqamat) and use of Tajweed rules while in a subconscious manner.
- With Tajweed Color-Coded Quran: Another brilliant aid to the novice and intermediate student is a Mushaf in which the text is color-coded in line with Tajweed. As an illustration, all letters that had to be written by Idgham could be in blue, Ikhfaa in green, and so on. This gives you a permanent visual reminder of the rules when you are reciting as you are learning it.
An effective Quran Learning tips.
No matter the direction you take, these universal guidelines will make the most out of it and have fun.
- Begin Small Goals: Do not frustrate yourself. The objective of the I will learn the Quran is too abstract. Split it down: I will master the pronunciation of the letters ba, ta, tha this week. or I will learn two lines of Surah Al-Kahf. Generation of momentum and confidence comes through small, manageable goals.
- Be Consistent and Patient: It is a marathon and not a sprint. The Prophet (ﷺ) appreciated the consistent actions which were even small. It is incalculably better to recite 15 minutes per day than to recite two hours once in a month. Allow yourself the time to be wrong; it is a part of the learning process.
- Revise Frequently to Preclude Strikes: It is the golden rule of memorizing (Hifz) and this is applicable to reading and Tajweed. Repetition is of great importance to review what you have already mastered so as to make sure it is right and well-established. It is a common rule to use one part of new material in comparison with three parts of old material.
- Pray to Allah (Du'a): This is a spiritual activity, and thus seek the assistance of the Knowledge. It should become part of your practice to repeat the knowledge dua: "رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا" (Rabbi zidni 'ilma) - O my Lord, increase me in knowledge. (Quran 20:114). Open and close your studying hours with du praying so that it becomes easy, understood and embraced.
- Learn with Quran Students and teachers: Your environment is important. Find devout companions whom you are traveling with. Become a part of the study groups or the online forums. Having people around you who have the same aim gives one motivation, support and good competition.
Possible Obstacles and the Remedies.
Obstacles are present to every learner. By expecting them, you are ready to beat them.
- Difficulty: Problem with Arabic Pronunciation.
Solution: This is the hurdle most prevalent. The remedy is two-fold: 1) Practice the Makharij (points of articulation) carefully with a teacher who may be able to demonstrate with his hands how to generate the sounds. 2) Use audio repetition. Hear one word or a line of a Qari, then stop and attempt to repeat himself word-for-word. Record yourself and compare.
- Issue: Absence of Consistency.
Solution: attach your Quran time to already existing habit. As an example, I will read 10 minutes immediately after Fajr prayer. Track your goal with a habit-tracking application. Have a family member or friend as your accountability. Keep up in mind your purpose and the great reward.
- Difficulty: Memorized Parts Forgotten.
Solution: It is natural and the reason why revision (Murajaah) is an on-going practice of a Hafiz. Get a clear revision timetable. A lot of Huffaz break down the Quran into 7 parts (Manzil) and rewrite one part daily of the week. With small portions, always go to the last five pages that you have memorized and then proceed to the new material.
- Issue: Inaccessible Qualified Teachers.
Solution: Here online Quran platforms can be in their glory. The access problem is solved by them. In the event of an internet connection problem, use pre-recorded high-quality video lessons and applications as a point of departure until you locate a teacher.
There are Virtues and Rewards of Learning the Quran.
Realizing the great gifts that come with this journey is a great encouragement to push on.
- Spiritual Peace and Narrowness to Allah: Quran is a source of great peace. Allah says, those who believed and whose hearts are guaranteed by the remembrance of Allah. Admittedly, hearts are guaranteed by remembrance of Allah (Quran 13:28). A experience with Quran purifies the heart and gives an inimitable feeling of serenity and mission.
- Quran being Intercessor on the Day of Resurrection: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, Recite the Quran, it will be intercessor on the Day of Resurrection on behalf of its adherents. The Quran will argue in support of those who recited and lived by the book, on a day, when we shall be in dire need of advocacy.
- High Ranks in Jannah: According to the hadith, the reciter will be ordered to climb the ranks of the Paradise and recite and their rank will be increased with each verse. People of Allah and of his chosen ones are the companions of the Quran.
- The Quran as the companion: The prophet ( ﷺ) said, whoever was devoted to the Quran would be said on the resurrection day, Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your precedence shall be the closing Ayah you shall say.' The Quran is made an ever-present companion, in this world by sanctifying the guide, and in the Hereafter by its intercession.
Conclusion
Learning Quran is a lifelong study that is a blessing and virtue beyond measure. It is a path, which starts with one step: the genuine desire to find the delight of your Lord. It proceeds with patience amid the obstacles of acquiring the Arabic script, the accuracy of Tajweed, the commitment of memorization and the retrospect of comprehending. It is accomplished by entering the teachings of the Quran on a daily basis.
Keep in mind this is not a journey of perfection at first, but progress. All the letters you find it so difficult to read, all the verses you attempt to memorize, all the meanings you attempt to grasp are observed and compensated by Allah. Never demoralize yourself because of your speed; the greatest things are the ones that are regular, even minor ones.
Whether you study Quran in a more traditional mosque or in online classes using modern technology, whether you plan to learn just how to read the Quran right, or you are planning to learn the Quran by heart, know that you are undertaking the best of courses. You are obeying the Prophet (ﷺ) and you want to be amongst the best.
So, take that first step today. Set the goal, find an asset, such as a teacher, an application, a course, etc., and start. Take the Holy Quran and make its divine words change your heart, your mind and your life. It is, in truth, a life-long companion on this side and the Hereafter.
