Can I learn Quran by myself, or do I need an instructor to teach me the Quran? A question that might concern you, especially if Arabic is not your native language, you may find it hard to decide whether it is better to start learning Quran on your own or just join a Quran class to guide you through your study.
It is important before you decide the best Quran learning strategy is to specify your purpose of learning the Quran. The same thing applies to all your deeds as a Muslim, it all starts with your intention. In light of this article you will be able to choose the best way to learn the Holy Quran as well as the most efficient Quran learning strategies.
How did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) learn the Quran?
If you wonder whether it is possible to learn the Quran by yourself or not, it is essential to discover how the Quran was initially revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Prophet used to spend extended periods of time in solitude worshiping God at the Hiraa cave outside of Makkah, according to his wife ‘A’ishah.
One day, Allah (SWT) sent angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who was asked to read. “I cannot read”, the Prophet, who was illiterate, replied.
He took hold of me (the Apostle said) and pressed me, till I was hard pressed; thereafter he let me off and said: Recite. I said: I am not lettered. He then again took hold of me and pressed me for the second time till I was hard pressed and then let me off and said: Recite, to which I replied: I am not lettered.
He took hold of me and pressed me for the third time, till I was hard pressed and then let me go and said: “Recite in the name of your Lord Who created, created man from a clot of blood. Recite. And your most bountiful Lord is He Who taught the use of pen, taught man what he knew not” (al-Qur’an, Al Alaq 1-4). Sahih Muslim 160 a.
After receiving revelations, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would later recite it to his Companions, who also memorized it or wrote it down.
Before the Quran was available in its written form, reciting it from memory was the main method of teaching it to others. Since then, millions of Muslims worldwide have memorized the entire Holy Quran in the same way in spite of the availability of the written form of the Quran.
Can I memorize Quran by myself?
If you are still wondering if you can memorize the Quran by yourself, then the short answer to your question is “No” you cannot learn the Quran by yourself.
What we can conclude from the previously mentioned story of Quran revelation, is that the ideal way to learn the Quran is through listening to the Quran from an expert teacher then mimicking his recitation, then the teacher has to correct your recitation and so on.
Why do you need a Quran tutor?
Even if you are an Arab and want to recite the holy Quran with tajweed or want to understand its meanings, you still need a professional teacher or Sheikh who can help you to learn the Quran. Here are some of the benefits of having a Quran tutor.
- Quranic language is challenging
The Quran is written in the Arabic language, which is unique among other languages and more sensitive. If you pronounce a letter incorrectly, you could change the meaning of the Quran, which is something we don’t want to happen. Therefore, a qualified Quran tutor can help you avoid these mistakes and explain the meanings of the Quran verses.
- Learning with a teacher saves you a lot of time and effort
Learning the Quran by yourself can cost you a lot of time and effort. Since, you will need to search for a large number of study resources which is not an easy task to do. It will also take you some time to get used to the terminology used in tajweed books. This becomes way easier when you learn Quran with a teacher.
- It is hard to recognize your own mistakes
When you learn the Quran by yourself you may miss many mistakes that might be there in your recitation. It is often hard to listen to your own mistakes, especially errors in tajweed, therefore it is crucial to recite in front of a Sheikh to get your recitation corrected.
- Learning with a teacher makes you more committed to the Quran
When you learn the Quran with a teacher you become less liable to procrastinate, and this will help you excel better in your study. Having a fixed learning schedule will make you more committed to the Quran.
How to Easily Learn Quran by Yourself?
You may be asking how can I easily learn Quran by myself? Although learning the Quran by yourself is not the most effective way, yet it is advisable to regularly practice what you have learned from your teacher on your own. Reciting the Quran on a daily basis enables you to recite the Quran more confidently and fluently. Below are some useful tips that will help you learn the Quran easily.
- Renew your intention and fidelity to Allah.
- Practice the Quran daily.
- Regularly revise what you have already learned and write down notes with your common mistakes.
- Record your recitation to observe your mistakes.
- Continuously Listen to the Quran recitation by your favorite Sheikh.
- Teach what you have learned to your friends and family members, this will help you reinforce your memorization.
- Choose a study partner so that you remind each other of your daily tasks.
How should a beginner start reading the Quran?
As a beginner it is essential to find a qualified Quran teacher who will most probably start by teaching you the Arabic alphabet and the correct pronunciation of harakahs and voweled letters then you will proceed in learning other tajweed rules alongside with memorizing short surahs.
Conclusion
No one can deny the importance of Quran in Muslims’ lives. Hence, we should all save no effort to learn how to recite the Holy Quran with tajweed, comprehend its meanings and apply its teachings and morals in our daily lives.
Although learning Quran by yourself may seem more convenient in terms of the expenses and flexible schedules it actually costs you much time and effort, and rarely yields the desired results.
This is why Itqan Quran online academy offers you Quran memorization classes that you can attend from the comfort of your home, with the help of native Quran tutors and at reasonable prices.
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