Are you put off reading the Quran?

For many, this would be a shocking statement! The words of Allah are mercy and guidance for mankind, but for many, the ability to read the Quran regularly is a real struggle. Here are some reasons why you may be struggling and how to overcome them.

1.            You are not alone…

Many Muslims have grown up being taught to read the Quran, but later on in life were told they learned incorrectly. This can cause a massive hindrance to many due to now feeling insecure about their recitations, as well as being worried about reciting the Quran wrong, therefore changing the words of Allah.

2.            You just don’t have enough time…

This is a contributing factor to why many do not regularly read the Quran. There is a notion that time has to be put aside, and efforts need to be made to find tranquillity and peace so you can sit down and study the Quran.  Many of us will not carve out that time and therefore tell ourselves we simply don’t have the time to read the Quran.

3.            The Quran is too long and complicated…

The book of Allah contains a whopping 604 pages! It can be pretty intimidating and feel super complex of a book to read. This can hinder us from wanting to read this as the goal of completing it seems really far off.

So what are the solutions?

1.     It is not impossible to re-learn the Quran.

Although challenging, it is not impossible to re-learn the Quran. There are plenty of YouTube channels to help you correct tajweed. However, the most effective way to read the Quran with support is through listening and reading at the same time.  Quran.com is a great tool for reading each verse with assistance. Aiming to read 3-5 verses daily will allow you to witness a vast improvement in your tajweed.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Verily, the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” (Sahih)

2. Utilise tools on the go

With modern-day technology, the Quran can be accessible almost everywhere… Download apps such as the Golden Quran or Quran Pro for access on your devices, which means you can now read the Quran on the go. Set yourself a reminder to dedicate just 5 mins to read a few verses a day. This could be on lunch breaks, train journeys, or waiting rooms at the surgery. The more you do this, the more Allah will increase your attachment to the book of Allah.

3. Slow and steady wins the race

Have you ever heard slow and steady wins the race? The Quran isn’t a traditional book, and you can never ‘finish’ reading it. Each page will relate to you in many ways at different times of your life. It is a book of guidance for eternity that will forever teach us new discoveries when we are pondering (tadabbur) over it.  Tadabbur means the utmost understanding of the meaning of the words of Allah by reading the Tafseer, deep thinking and consideration over the meanings of the verse, and accepting its guidance fully and completely. Mould yourself according to its guidance. Take each passage of the revelation as addressed to you. Put yourself in the same state (similar situation) [i.e., ask yourself whether you have gone through a similar situation or not]. With this in mind, one should read for the sake of understanding their Lord and drawing closeness instead of completions, and you will find a new beauty every time.

“Do they not think deeply in the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding)

Surah Muhammad (47:24)

May Allah help us in our efforts to get closer to Him by increasing our love and reducing our struggles in Reading the Quran. Ameen.

For a translation to do justice to the Quran and capture its elegance and vigor, it has to be accurate, smooth, eloquent, and accessible. Unlike most popular translations, The Clear Quran masterfully passes on all counts. – A MUST for every household.

With two decades of experience in Islamic translation, Dr. Mustafa Khattab is an authority on interpreting the Quran. He was a member of the first team that translated the Ramadan night prayers (Tarawîḥ) live from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina (2002-2005). He memorized the entire Quran at a young age and later obtained a professional ijâzah in the Ḥafṣ style of recitation with a chain of narrators going all the way to Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ). Dr. Khattab received his Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in Islamic Studies in English with Honors from Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Languages & Translation.
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This article was written by Umm Jannah. She is the Director of curriculum development and programming for Al Fitrah Academy. A student of knowledge studying Alimiyyah, she is currently training to become an Islamic psychologist offering supportive services in mental health, well-being, and education for the Muslim community. In her spare time Umm Jannah has a passion for Islamic art and is an Islamic calligraphist and composition artist who holds classes for children to learn traditional Islamic Arts