For most of us whose first language is not Arabic, but we desire to learn to read the Qur’an perfectly, the proper pronunciation of Arabic words is sometimes a struggle for us.
Tajweed is important to understanding the Qur’an. It helps us learn how Arabic words are used and pronounced such that we are able to recite the Qur’an perfectly.
While tajweed can be daunting for a beginner because you are learning a language with totally different rules from English, it doesn’t have to be so scary.
When I started learning tajweed fully a few years ago, I didn’t expect to get a grasp of it so soon, and therefore I am sharing the tips that have helped me understand the rules of tajweed better.
Tip 1: Make Sincere Intentions and Pray
Your intention really matters in anything you do as a Muslim, and even more so when you are trying to gain knowledge. Ask yourself why you want to learn tajweed, and I believe that the answer will be so that you can become better at reciting the holy Qur’an. When you are clear about your intention, then pray to the one that gave us the Qur’an to grant you the knowledge to understand His words. As a Muslim, I must say that this is the very first step that anyone learning tajweed should take, because if Allah (swt) does not grant you the understanding, who will?
Tip 2: Pick a Reputable Instructor
One of the things that has helped my study of tajweed is the decision to learn directly from a Muslim scholar. Like reading the Qur’an, you need someone to teach you the rules of tajweed, how to pronounce words, identify places of articulation of letters, differentiate between different sounds, etc. An instructor helps you assess your progress, find mistakes and teach you the technicalities of the Arabic language. I understand that the lack of access to scholars usually prevents people from being able to learn from them directly, but rather than attempt to learn a foreign language on your own, enroll in a program online. It should be as good as having a teacher if you have picked an excellent program.
