Question

Tajweed is very difficult, I think.  Can you give me some tips?

Answer

Reciting the Qur’an with proper tajweed may seem overwhelming to the student of the Qur’an at the beginning of their studies.  There are rules to be learned and applied, and it takes a bit of time for our tongues to respond to what our brains are trying to tell it to do.  We shouldn’t feel discouraged at this point, instead, we should persevere, and remember all the ‘ajr we are receiving for repeating the Qur’an as well as for attempting to recite the book of Allah, as it was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed, .  Once we get more accustomed to the rules and their application, we will find, insha’ Allah, that it is in fact, not difficult and that it is very beautiful. 

The most important thing to remember is to purify our intentions, and not let our ego or nafs get in the way of our learning.  We also need to seek refuge in tongue and in heart with Allah from Satan, for indeed he (Satan) will try to dissuade you from this noble endeavor.  Asking Allah for assistance in learning His book especially while in sajdah, between the athaan and iqaamah, after salat, and in the last third of the night, is highly recommended.  We only can learn the Qur’an by Allah’s Mercy and assistance, so we should ask the Giver for this great gift.  This does not mean that we don’t take the sabab or reason for achieving this knowledge, that of effort and repetition.  May Allah make the learning of tajweed easy for you and all Muslims.