You might be thinking to yourself, “What is the best way to learn the Quran in 2022?” With technological advancement booming every second of the day, along with indispensable Islamic knowledge you can access from the Internet for free, we have no excuse to find ways to make learning the Quran easier in this era.
If you’re wondering what is the best way to learn Quran, let’s first examine a few important elements before understanding how to learn Quran; the benefits of learning the Quran in Dunya and Akhirah, as well as the tips and tricks to facilitate you on how to learn Quran easily, InshaAllah.
What are the Benefits of Learning the Quran in Dunya and Akhirah?
1. For every letter you read from learning the Quran, you will be rewarded.
SubhanAllah, Allah’s Mercy and Blessings is beyond our limited comprehension. Imagine learning how to read Quran by starting a short and simple Surah Al-Fatihah! Allah Almighty has indeed made it easy for us to gain rewards just through this act of worship.
Saidatina Aishah radiallahu anha reported:
مَن قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا لاَ أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلاَمٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ
Whoever recites a letter from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter
[Sunan At-Tirmizi]
2. Learning How to Read Quran Calms the Mind, Heart and Soul
Have you ever got so anxious, overwhelmed with negative emotions? How did you deal with such emotional turbulence? Consider learning the Quran as a form of remembrance towards Allah Almighty and His Beloved Messenger ﷺ, it will put your worries at a halt, and helps ease your mind and soul, InshaAllah.
الَّذينَ آمَنوا وَتَطمَئِنُّ قُلوبُهُم بِذِكرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلا بِذِكرِ اللَّهِ تَطمَئِنُّ القُلوبُ
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured”
[Qur’an, 13:28]
3. It’s even more rewarding for absolute beginners who are learning how to read Quran
Have you ever tried learning how to read Quran and got so frustrated because you couldn’t recite it every so smoothly and melodiously? On top of that, you might find yourself feeling embarrassed by your lack of proficiency. We’ve all been there, but guess what? Allah Almighty appreciates all the hard work you put into the act of ‘Ibadah even though you’re not proficient at it. He even multiplies your reward, SubhanAllah!
Saidatina Aishah radiallahu anha reported:
الذي يقرأ القرآن وهو ماهر به مع السفرة الكرام البررة، والذي يقرأ القرآن ويتتعتع فيه وهو عليه شاق له أجران
“The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur’an will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels), and he who recites the Qur’an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have two rewards.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim]
4. Learning the Quran Can Be a Source of Guidance for You
With everything a human creates, there is always a manual to help navigate the mechanics and operation of the product successfully. Same goes to us human beings with an ultimate purpose to live in this world; to obey Allah Almighty through the injunctions revealed in the Quran.
لَقَدْ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًۭا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ لَفِى ضَلَـٰلٍۢ مُّبِينٍ ١٦٤
“Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Quran] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.” [Quran, 3: 164]
5. Learning the Quran benefits your parents too.
Learning how to read Quran will not only benefit you in Dunya and Akhirah, but also your parents, MashaAllah. Allah Almighty will shower your parents with His Mercy and Divine Blessings, InshaAllah.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,
“Whoever recites the Quran and learns it and then acts upon it is adorned with a crown of light on the Day of Judgement, its radiance is like the radiance of the sun. His parents are adorned with two jewels that the world could never contain, so they say ‘Why have we been adorned as such?’ It will be said, ‘For what your child has acquired from the Quran.”
6. The Quran acts as an intercessor for you on the Day of Judgement.
Imagine being alone on the Day of Judgement that even our parents would not be able to recognise us. If we learn how to read Quran during our lifetime, InshaAllah the Quran will act as an intercessor for us on the Day of Judgement when we need it most.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Recite the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim]
How Long Does it Take to Learn the Quran?
Different individuals have different spiritual journeys with the Quran. Depending on their proficiency level and other relevant factors; some learn faster, and some others may need more time.
However, it is very important that you focus on your own journey rather than comparing yourself to others. It is not only about how to learn the Quran fast and easy, but it is crucial that your spirituality is positively impacted.
On average, it takes approximately two months to a year, depending on the Quranic class you enrol, your consistency in learning the Quran on a daily basis and more.
How should a beginner find the best way to learn Quran?
So, you’re a beginner and you find it difficult to find the best way to learn Quran and begin your journey right. How do you start without ending up in frustration or stopping mid way? Here are some tips to help you get going from start to finish, InshaAllah.
1. Learn the Fundamentals of Islamic Faith and the Importance of Learning the Quran
Before you begin exploring the best way to learn Quran, ask yourself how well you know about the fundamentals of your faith. Before doing something, always know why you do it and how it can benefit you in this world and the Hereafter. We’ve provided all the benefits you need to know earlier in this article for you to kickstart your journey in learning and finding the best way to read Quran, InshaAllah.
2. Choose Reliable and Authenticated Quran Translation
What is truly the point of reading the Arabic or Quranic verses of the Holy Book if you don’t understand the meaning of what you’re reciting? There are many best and easy Quranic translation resources available at the end of your fingertips. From simple and basic English to academic and biblical levels, there are all kinds of translations with different levels of proficiency for you to choose from.
3. Learn Quran Tafsir or Commentary with a Shaykh or Expert
Besides understanding the meaning of the Quranic verses at face value, it is important that we delve deeper into the intricacies of the Quranic texts – the hidden gems that cannot be fathomed just through literal translations. Of course, you are not advised to be left to your own devices when studying the Tafsir as this field of Islamic knowledge requires years of study, guided by reliable and certified scholars.
You can always enrol in any online Islamic courses organised by your trusted Islamic education provider in Singapore or attend physical lectures at your local mosques or institutions to pursue your studies in learning the Quran.
4. Jot Down Notes and Ask Questions as an Easy Way to Learn Quran
To ask or not to ask; that is the question. If you enrol yourself in offline or online Quranic courses, it is best to always bring a notebook with you and jot down important details. This is one of the best ways to learn Quran; to enquire and ask reliable scholars. Because the Quran has an abundance of hidden gems that could not be unearthed in one sitting, it is best to jot down questions if you have any and ask scholars to understand the verses at a deeper level.
How Can I Teach Myself the Best Way to Learn Quran?
Is teaching yourself really the best way to learn Quran? This might be one of your considerations if you don’t have the means to enrol in a course due to lack of time, responsibilities and many more. However, it is not an excuse for a person to delay learning the Quran, hence there are a few feasible tips and tricks for you to learn on your own.
1. Listen to Your Favourite Qari or Quran Reciter
Listening to your favourite Qari is one of the ways on how to learn Quran fast. When you familiarise yourself with the sounds and tajwid recited by your favourite Qari, you will be able to memorise the Quranic verses bit by bit. Of course, memorisation doesn’t happen overnight, but if you do listen on a regular basis, it becomes etched in your mind and you will find yourself reciting the Surah with much ease, InshaAllah.
2. Try Out Quranic Apps to Enhance Your Reading or Memorisation Skills
Having a smartphone with you means no excuse for you to learn the Quran anywhere and anytime! If you’re looking for more efficient ways on how to learn Quran faster on the go, here are some highly recommended apps for you to try!
Quran Pro Muslim provides you a huge library of translations in different languages. You could also choose your favourite Qari from their wide selection of audio reciters found in the mushad application. Found your favourite verse? You can always use the bookmark feature and the best part of this is that you don’t need Internet connection to access the Quran.
You remember the verse of the Quran but you’re not sure of the verse number or its translation. What do you do? Tarteel will help you find the verses by offering a unique set of features based on voice recognition. Tarteel allows you to search the Quran by reciting a full or part of a verse. It also allows you to view the surah name, ayah number, as well as the English translation and transliteration of that verse.
If you’re looking for a more technical and in-depth study tool for the Quran, this is what you might be looking for. This app provides verse by verse audio playback with repeat functions, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, color-coded tajweed, word by word analysis and translations, note-taking & custom bookmarks with sync, multiple themes, and fonts.
3. Listen to Your Quranic Podcasts for Better Understanding
Listening to Quranic podcasts is an underrated and the best way to learn Quran when you’re multitasking. Today’s era raves the power of podcasts! Instead of listening to music to increase your productivity, you can always switch it up by listening to informative podcasts about the Quran. There are many podcasts out there that offer Quranic recitations, translations, transliteration, exegesis or even reflections.
The Best Way to Learn Quran and How to Learn Quran Fast in 2024
Alhamdulillah, now that you are aware of the many possibilities of learning the Quran the right way either on your own or guided by an expert, let’s look at the best way to learn Quran without compromising khusyu’, and focus on uplifting your spirituality.
1. Rectify intentions, set realistic goals and find peace
Imagine doing an act of worship without proper intentions or simply because you’re pressured into doing so. It’s not the way we want to begin learning the Quran. Before you begin anything at all, it is crucial that you set your intentions to gain Allah Almighty’s Pleasure, Mercy and Blessings, as well as for His Beloved Messenger ﷺ.
It is narrated on the authority of Amir al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Believers), Abu Hafs ‘Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), say
“Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended. Whoever migrates with an intention for Allah and His messenger, the migration will be for the sake of Allah and his Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, then his migration will be for the sake of whatever he migrated for.”
[Related by Bukhari & Muslim]
When it comes to setting realistic goals, you have to ask yourself how you can commit to learning the Quran per day. Set down your goals or even print out a Quranic reading checklist (add link to checklist pdf designed by ashraf) for you to track your progress in real time.
2. Your learning space matters to your Quranic learning performance
As much as you can learn the Quran wherever you are with the existence of technology and powerful podcasts, it simply isn’t the same as having a designated space for you to internalise everything about the Quran in peace. You could design a simple nook at home for you to learn to read the Quran, or even in your own room as long as it is clean, organised, and beautiful in your eyes. Allah Almighty indeed loves beauty, SubhanAllah.
From ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud radiallahu ‘anhu who said that the Prophet ﷺ said, “No one will enter Paradise who has an atom’s weight of pride in his heart.” A man said, “What if a man likes his clothes to look good and his shoes to look good?” He said, “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Pride means denying the truth and looking down on people.” [Related by Muslim]
3. Learn Tajwid with an expert and ask questions about Quranic reading
Besides understanding the translation, transliteration as well as exegesis of the Quran, it is also crucial that you know how to learn Quran and read it with correct Tajwid. It may take practice until you get the hang of it, but it is advisable for you to learn Tajwid with a credible ustadh or ustadha through online Tajwid courses or offline classes you can enrol in your local mosque or nearby Islamc education centre.
4. Start learning the Quran by reading the easy chapters in your free time
It really depends on what your goal is. Are you looking to aim for the easy and short chapters first, or start at the very beginning of the Quran? If you are more interested to know how to learn the Quran fast and easy way, you can always start with reciting the short chapters first and study the translations as well as the Tafsir. For instance, you can start off with Al-Fatihah and the three quls, ensuring that you truly understand the hidden gems of the verses.
5. Discover your true talent by trying out various recitation styles (Qira’at)
If you want to try out and unleash your hidden talents of reciting the Quran melodiously, you can look up some of the famous Qaris on Youtube or Spotify and take a listen at the various recitation styles or Qira’at which are very prominent. There are many types of Qira’at such as:
- Qirat Naafi’ Al-Madani (Madinah)
- Qirat Ibn Katheer Al-Makki (Makkah)
- Qirat Abu Amr al-Basri (Basra)
- Qirat Ibn Aamir ash-Shami (Syria)
- Qirat Asim Al-Kufi (Kufa)
- Qirat Hamzah al-Kufi (Kufa)
- Qirat Al-Kisaa’i (Kufa)
6. Find your support system to help you in learning the Quran confidently
At the end of the day, you would want to surround yourself around people who love the Quran, recite the Quran and those who support your journey in learning the Quran.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘The example of a good pious companion and an evil one is that of a person carrying musk and another blowing a pair of bellows. The one who is carrying musk will either give you some perfume as a present, or you will buy some from him, or you will get a good smell from him, but the one who is blowing a pair of bellows will either burn your clothes or you will get a bad smell from him.”
[Sahih Al Bukhari]
Remember, as much as you found the best way to learn Quran fast and easy, the most important thing about starting this journey is to start right and end it strongly, without setting unrealistic expectations. The most crucial thing to note is what you learn from the Quran, and how you can internalise such injunctions in your life. Only then does your spiritual journey with the Quran mean something, InshaAllah. May Allah Almighty grant you His Divine Blessings and Mercy in beginning this journey with Bismillah!