The beauty of recitation amplifies when a Muslim recites Quran with proper Tajweed. The way your voice sails smoothly across the verses leaves your heart in peace and tranquility. On top of it all, your good deeds’ scale will also increase on the Day of Judgment.
So, it is a win-win!
Unfortunately, most of us can’t take out time from our daily hustle. We barely have a few minutes to read the Quran, let alone reflect upon it.
Given the chaotic state of the world, it is about time we come back to our senses. We need to realize that Quran is the Book that could help us through highs and lows of this life and the Hereafter. Abu Dhar al-Ghifari (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“You will not come back to Allah with anything better than that which came from Him.” (i.e. the Qur’ān)
(Mastadrik al-Hakim no. 2077)
If you are struggling with its recitation, you have scrolled by the right page. This blog lists some useful tips to improve fluency and style of Quran recitation:
1. Learn Tajweed
Arabic is a powerful language. Minor changes in its symbols and pronunciation can make a huge difference on the meaning. It is essential that the beginners start evaluating the basic rules of Tajweed (i.e. the science of the Quran). Learning these rules will allow you to understand the complexities of the language. They will add beauty to your recitation and allow you to recite Quran in the way it was intended.
On the other hand, reciting the Quran without Tajweed will change the meaning and eliminate the beauty.
2. Take Baby Steps
You should start small when you have made the final decision of improving recitation. A sudden burden may cause burnout soon. So, keep it slow and steady.
The best way for beginners to maintain their focus is to start from the 30th Juz. There are small chapters in the 30th Juz, making it easy to concentrate and feel accomplished. If you become an expert at reciting shot surahs beautifully, you can move to the longer chapters.
This is to make sure you do not overwhelm yourself with something difficult. Start small and you will make progress.
3. Consistency
There is an ancient Thai saying that now works for their popular Muay Thai Kick Boxing Style. It goes as follows
“If you want to be a good kicker… kick!”
The same rule applies in Quran recitation too. The first advice that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) received was “Recite!” Muslims should also adhere by this advice. We should hold onto our recitation habit throughout our lives. The more you recite, the better you get a grip on its pronunciation. And before you know it, you will be reading an unfamiliar page in the same duration it used to take to read a few lines.
4. Learn Intonation
As mentioned above, the rise and fall of voice notes is a crucial factor to determine beauty of recitation. It would be best if you learn when to increase your pitch, decrease it, and keep it steady. Following proper symbols, traits, and Tajweed rules will help you in appropriate recitation.
When an individual knows when and how to recite, they can increase their fluency of the Quran. If you are constantly trying to improve your speech and dialect, you will find yourself more immersed and engaged during the recitation.
The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“Religion is sincerity: to Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, and the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.”
5. Reach Out to a Tutor
The guidance of a teacher can help you overcome the challenges. It also keeps you on the right track because they have better knowledge than newbies. Look for a Quran tutor in your community. In case you have a tough routine, you can also opt for online Quran tutor. There are many institutes and individuals teaching Quran online. However, one has to play safe by doing a background check on the tutor they opt for.
The teacher will guide you and help you realize all your weaknesses. They will also help you fix your routine and create a solid learning pattern.
6. Learn Some Vocabulary
Reading the Quran without knowing its meaning doesn’t give you an optimal level of joy. Have you ever heard a proficient Quran reciter reading the verses and crying? Sometimes, their voice breaks and it makes the listener cry even when he/she doesn’t understand.
Those reciters are among the blessed ones who have understood the Quran and feel worried. They can read between the lines and can’t hold steady of what it tells them. It should be our life goal to be among those people. Learning a mere 300 words will also account for about 70% of the Quran.
Instead of wasting time scrolling on social media, how about we make a productive use of our time? This will make a monumental difference in your recitation beauty.
7. Make Dua
Every time you intend to achieve something, turn towards your Rabb. Let Him know about your weakness. Tell him how you may fail and become inconsistent.
And lastly, seek His (SWT) help for this journey. On days when you feel low and Shaytan seems to overpower your heart, call upon your Rabb (SWT) for His assistance.
Final Thoughts
The Quran will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment. Hazrat Abu Umamah relates that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“Read the Quran, for verily it will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for its companions.”
As we stick to the recitation of this Book and struggle to improve, we gain rewards. It is essential that we understand the importance of Allah’s Word and work hard to improve our recitation. May Allah (SWT) help us all. Aameen!
