Learning the Quran is not just learning to repeat like a parrot. Rather one should perfect his recitation, focus on his recitation, and try to understand what he reads, for only then can the Quran touch the heart.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said: “If you want to benefit from the Qur’ān, gather your heart when it is recited, focus your hearing, and act like you are being directly addressed by Allāh, as it is an address from Him to you upon the tongue of this Messenger (peace be upon him), as the Exalted Said:

{“Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for he who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful.”}

So, I have put together a few tips to help you embark on this journey.

• Think of the rewards: I’m sure you want Jannah and the pleasure of Allah!
• Think of the punishment: this is where fear comes into play. We have to balance the wing of fear and the wing of hope, fear of the anger of Allah and hope for His Pleasure.
• Set a time: Design a routine with your Quran time Included.
• Find a Quran buddy: sometimes you need the help and extra motivation. Having a close friend or family join you on your voyage is helpful. This person will remind you to read, will help you when you are stuck and praise you when you progress, and vice versa. They will join you in the highs and lows of this journey so make sure it is someone you can connect with.
• Start or join a Quran circle: If you are finding it difficult on your own, sometimes joining a class, where you have no option but to turn up and read is that extra push that you need. Seeing others recite can be a motivation
• Find a teacher: Whether you can barely read Arabic or are fluent in your recitation, a teacher is always good to have. They can spot the minor mistakes, and will monitor your progress. They will test you and instruct your learning, setting your homework and revision.
• Begin with the basics and easier sections to give you a head start. This way you will familiarise yourself with common Quranic vocabulary
• Learn tajweed: This may seem arduous and boring, but learning to pronounce the letters correctly, and all the rules associated with reading the Quran is necessary to yield the best results on your journey.
• Be Consistent: Don’t give up! There may come a day where you didn’t get a chance to read or revise, or perhaps the ayahs you are learning are difficult to memorise, stay focused and continue. Make the Quran priority over other things.
• Have Patience: Indeed, good things come to those who wait. I don’t mean wait and do nothing, put the effort in, take up the means and leave the rest to Allah. He will facilitate things for you. Everything will be well worth it, and not an atom’s weight of your effort will go unnoticed by Allah.
• Make Istighfaar: seems and unusual one, but if you are finding something good difficult, it could be your sins are blocking the way. We humans sin by day and night, so seek the forgiveness of Allah and He will open your doors. Imam Ash-Shafi’I said, ‘I complained to my Shaykh (Waki’) about my bad memory, and he taught me that I should keep away from sin.’ Similarly, a man asked Maalik ibn Anas, ‘O Abu Abdallah, is there anything that will improve my memory?’ He said, ‘If anything will improve it, it is giving up sin.’

Now you are ready to set sail….begin right away! There’s not a moment to lose.

And on days when you feel down, come back and check this list for ways to motivate yourself.

May Allah grant you success!