We have curated some practical tips for beginners learning the Quran. You can apply those relevant to you; the general guidelines are the same for all students but with a focus on beginners.
Set Achievable Goals
The first step to reaching anywhere is to set achievable goals. If you have unrealistic expectations, you are deemed to fail. Before studying the Quran, define your objectives. Consider why you want to learn for spiritual enrichment, language skills, or both. Clear goals will guide and motivate your learning.
The Right Time and Place
Like any other skill, learning a new language has a learning curve. To better understand the Quran, it is best to dedicate time in the morning and evening. The ideal time is early morning, after Fajr, when fewer distractions exist. Review the material in the evening and read the lesson before sleeping to aid in better memorization.
Learn with a Quran Tutor
Direct instruction is the most common method of learning the Quran and offers clear benefits. Learning from someone who speaks your language and is a community member is helpful. Guidance is essential for reading correctly and correcting mistakes, especially for beginners.
Allah said in the Holy Quran: “So when We have recited it [through Gabriel], then follow its recitation” [Al-Qiyamah: 18].
Learning Through Listening to a Qari
The most common method of learning the Quran is from a tutor, but it’s not always practical for many students for various reasons. An alternative approach is to listen to your favorite Quran reciter and then repeat after them. Record yourself reciting the Quran and compare it to the reciter’s rendition to see if you did well. This allows you to identify any mistakes and make corrections. Be easy on yourself, especially if you’ve made the same error several times. Continue to listen and practice, and remember that we are people, and humans make errors; what matters is that we learn from them.
To enhance your learning, try listening to your favorite Quran reciter and reading along with them. Auditory learning benefits all languages, including Arabic. Supplement your reading with auditory immersion by listening to Quranic recitations while following along in the Mushaf. This multisensory approach will help improve your recitation skills and overall comprehension and retention.
You could choose from many reciters, such as Saad El Ghamidi, Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, Mishary Rashid Away, and Abdul Basit Abdus Samad.
Learn by the Translation Method
Reading the Quran with its translation is very beneficial for beginners to learn the Quran. Engaging with the text, understanding its meaning, and having a good memory of the words makes it easier to remember.
Noorani Qaida— Back to Basic
Noorani Qaida provides a straightforward way to learn Arabic and the holy Quran. It is suitable for non-Arabic speakers, including children and adults. Noor Muhammed Haqqani, an Indian Sheikh, compiled it.
The Noorani Qaida book is designed to teach the correct pronunciation of the Arabic alphabet and how to combine letters to spell words. It focuses on teaching Arabic to help you read the Quran, making it the first step in learning to read the Quran. This book teaches you to pronounce each letter, spell words, and practice reading Quranic passages, making Quran recitation easier for beginners.
Fundamentals you learn in Noorani Qaida
- Learning the Arabic Alphabet and its different shapes.
- Short vowels “sounds of Dammah, Fatha, and Kasrah.”
- Long vowels, Tnween, Noon Sakenah.
- Soft vowels “Huroof Leenah”
- Raa and Laam rule.
- Where to pause and where to stop, which is called” Waqf Rules.”
- Tashdid, Tashdid with Sukoon, Tashdid after Madd.
Start with Small Surahs
Starting with one of the big surahs can be complicated and overwhelming, so it’s best to begin with shorter surahs to build confidence.