Learn to Read Quran Word by Word: A Step-by-Step for Beginners

For Muslims, a need to learn to read Quran word by word is very important and necessary, as this method helps us to know the meanings of the words mentioned in the Qur’an and reach their intended meaning.

In addition, this method also helps us to improve the recitation of the Noble Qur’an and apply the rules of intonation during recitation, and then evoke reverence in recitation.

That is why we prepared this guide today for our students, as this article builds on building practical steps and skills that students can acquire during their journey to learning to read the Qur’an well.

We also explain the alphabet in the Arabic language and ways to learn it quickly, and then we move on to an introduction to the science of intonation and ways to learn the rules of intonation that help us read the Qur’an correctly without melody.

Learning to read the Quran word by word starts with Understanding the Arabic Alphabet

The Arabic language contains exactly 28 letters. These letters are joined in an orderly manner called the alphabet. It is worth noting that learning the alphabet is very important and necessary in order to learn to read the Qur’an word by word.

Introduction to the Arabic Alphabet

Each letter in the Arabic language has characteristics that distinguish it from the other letters.

In addition to that, there is no father of a letter of the language that matches its best in terms of qualities, method of pronunciation, and output.

So the student may initially face some difficulties while starting to learn the Arabic language.

How to pronounce each letter

As we mentioned earlier, each letter of the language has distinctive features and is unique to it from others, so here is how to pronounce each letter separately:

• Alif: Pronounced as a long “a” sound as in “father.”

• Ba: Pronounced as “b” as in “book.”

• Ta: Pronounced as “t” as in “table.”

• Tha: Pronounced as “th” as in “thumb.”

• Jim: Pronounced as “j” as in “jam.”

• Ha: Pronounced as a strong exhalation of breath, similar to the sound made when saying “huh” in English.

• Kha: Pronounced as a strong exhalation of breath from the back of the throat, similar to the “ch” sound in Scottish “loch” or the German “ach.”

• Dal: Pronounced as “d” as in “day.”

• Thal: Pronounced as “th” as in “this.”

• Ra: Pronounced as a rolled “r” sound.

• Zay: Pronounced as “z” as in “zero.”

• Seen: Pronounced as “s” as in “sun.”

• Sheen: Pronounced as “sh” as in “shoe.”

• Sad: Pronounced as a hard “s” sound.

• Dad: Pronounced as a hard “d” sound.

• Ta marbuta: Pronounced as a light “t” sound.

• Ain: Pronounced as a guttural sound from the back of the throat.

• Ghayn: Pronounced as a stronger guttural sound than “ain.”

• Fa: Pronounced as “f” as in “fist.”

• Qaf: Pronounced as a strong “k” sound from the back of the throat.

• Kaf: Pronounced as “k” as in “key.”

• Lam: Pronounced as “l” as in “love.”

• Meem: Pronounced as “m” as in “moon.”

• Noon: Pronounced as “n” as in “noon.”

• Ha: Pronounced as a “h” sound, but slightly softer than the “ha” sound.

• Wow: Pronounced as “w” as in “water.”

• Ya: Pronounced as “y” as in “yellow.”

Tips for mastering the Arabic alphabet

There are several ways to help you learn Arabic letters and master their memorization, such as:

• Write down the letter with many examples and models. Practice drawing the letter repeatedly until you are sure that it is fixed in your mind.

• Using games that contain letters and their characteristics, is very entertaining and helps you to get to know the letter faster.

• Use colored cards or cards on which the letter is printed, as it also helps you learn faster.

Basic Tajweed Rules

The provisions of Tajweed are divided into two parts, some of which are related to the way of pronouncing the letters well.

Free of melody or distortion, and some of them are related to rulings such as the rulings of the noun sakinah and tanween.

As for the first section, it is necessary and obligatory for every Muslim to learn it in order to read the Qur’an well and without melody, and therefore it helps you learn to read Qur’an word by word.

Introduction to Tajweed

The science of tajweed is defined in the language as improvement or evaluation, but in terminology, it is meant by the science of tajweed to correct the reading of the Qur’an correctly.

By knowing the provisions and descriptions of the letters and then pronouncing them in a good way, that is.

It is a science that strengthens the tongue of the Muslim and strengthens it during the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

So that the reading becomes Complete as it was reported by the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his companions. Get your Noorani Qaida course free trial for real practice.

Basic Tajweed rules to improve pronunciation

Here are some of the rules of intonation that you need to master the recitation of the Qur’an in a way that is free from linguistic or verbal errors:

• Makharij al-Huruf: It refers to the points of articulation of each letter, and it is important to learn the correct points of articulation for proper pronunciation.

• Sifaat al-Huruf: This refers to the characteristics of each letter, such as whether it is heavy or light, or whether it is pronounced from the throat or tongue.

• Noon and Meem Mushaddad: When noon or meem has a shadda (double diacritic), it is pronounced with emphasis and held for twice as long.

• Madd: It refers to prolonging the sound of a letter or vowel, and it is indicated by a horizontal line above the letter.

• Qalqalah: This refers to the echoing sound that is produced when pronouncing certain letters, such as the qaf, taa, and ba.

• Idgham: This refers to the merging of two adjacent letters, and it occurs when a noon or meem comes before a ba, ta, tha, jim, dal, or zay.

• Ikhfa: This refers to the partial hiding of a letter, and it occurs when a noon or meem comes before a ya or wow.

• Ghunna: This refers to the nasal sound produced when pronouncing certain letters, such as the noon or meem.

• Waqf: This refers to the proper pausing and stopping at the end of each verse, and it is important to learn the correct rules of waqf to properly recite the Quran.

Learning Quran Vocabulary

Learning the Quranic words and understanding their meanings is a very necessary step to contemplating the Holy Quran and understanding the meaning of each verse specifically.

Therefore, the student must make an effort at the beginning to identify the meanings of the peers first, and then master the memorization of the words of the Qur’an completely. you may like to try our free trials of Quran memorization online classes (Hifz) or Quran recitation course

Common Quranic words and phrases

Some Quranic words are mentioned in abundance in the various chapters of the Qur’an, and they look like this:

• Allah – The name of Allah in Islam.
• Bismillah – “In the name of Allah”.
• Insha’Allah – “If Allah wills”.
• Alhamdulillah – “All praise is due to Allah”.
• Subhanallah – “Glory be to Allah”.
• Allahu Akbar – “Allah is the greatest”.
• Jannah – Paradise.
• Jahannam – Hell.
• Salam – Peace.
• Shukr – Gratitude.
• Sabr – Patience.
• Taqwa – Allah-consciousness.
• Fitnah – Trial or temptation.
• Barakah – Blessing.
• Dua – Supplication or prayer.
• Zakat – Obligatory charity.
• Sadaqah – Voluntary charity.
• Tawheed – Oneness of Allah.
• Sunnah – The traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad.
• Hadith – Sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.

Tips for memorizing Quranic vocabulary

Memorizing Quranic words is not difficult, but you can do it through very easy and simple steps, such as:

• Take the initiative to understand the meaning of the word, as understanding the meaning helps to memorize the whole faster.

• Write the word as often as it appears in a surah. Writing also helps memorize words faster.

Word-by-Word Reading Practice

The basis for learning the Holy Qur’an is to ponder the words, understand the meanings, and understand what is meant by them well, and this is what we offer to our students at Hamil al Quran Academy.

Where we help them learn to read the Quran word by word and study and study impartially before moving to the memorization stage.

Importance of reading the Quran word by word

Learning to read the Qur’an word by word is one of the good steps that a Muslim can take.

As it helps him to ponder and understand the Qur’anic meanings of each verse, in addition to that, it strengthens his humility during recitation.

Step-by-step guide for word-by-word reading

Here is an explanation that includes how to learn to read the Qur’an word by word:

“Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem”

Let’s start by breaking down the verse into individual words:

“Bismillah” – In the name of Allah

“ar-Rahman” – The Most Gracious

“ar-Raheem” – The Most Merciful

To practice reading these words, you can start by pronouncing each one slowly and clearly, paying attention to the correct pronunciation of each letter. You can also try repeating each word several times in a row to help with memorization and fluency.

Once you feel comfortable with these individual words, you can then practice reading the entire verse in one fluid motion.

Focusing on proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. With practice and patience, you will be able to read and understand the Quran with greater ease and confidence.

Memorization Techniques

There are some techniques that you can use while memorizing the Holy Quran, and of course, these steps will help you in memorizing.

Tips and techniques for memorizing Quranic verses

If you are a beginner in memorizing the Holy Quran, there are some refinements and steps that you can take to master memorization, which is represented in the following points:

• Memorize the short surahs and then continue the progression until you reach the larger surahs and verses.

• Divide the large verses into smaller and smaller parts so that you can master memorizing them completely.

• Choose a time that is convenient for you, and set that time every day.

Memorization exercises for beginners

There are some exercises that you can do while memorizing the Holy Quran:

• Repetition: One of the most effective ways to memorize Quranic verses is through repetition. Repeat the verse or section you are trying to memorize several times until you feel comfortable with it.

• Chunking: Break the verse down into smaller chunks and memorize each chunk separately. Then, gradually add the chunks together until you have memorized the entire verse.

• Writing: Write the verse down on paper or a whiteboard several times until you have memorized it. This can help with both visual and tactile memory.

• Listening: Listen to recitations of the verse by skilled reciters. This can help you familiarize yourself with the rhythm and melody of the verse, making it easier to memorize.

Advanced Tajweed Rules

Studying and understanding the rules of intonation while studying the Qur’an is necessary and very important for every student. 

You can also study recitation at the hands of a Sheikh who is proficient in the provisions of recitation or seek the help of a teacher, as he is fully experienced and familiar with all provisions.

Understanding the importance of advanced Tajweed

The importance of studying the science of Tajweed is that it protects the tongue from being in tune or making mistakes during recitation, in addition to some other points, which are:

• Enhancing the beauty and melody of recitation: Advanced Tajweed rules help to produce a beautiful and melodious recitation of the Quran.
• This not only makes the recitation more pleasant to listen to but also creates a deeper spiritual connection with the Quran.
• Improving understanding of the Quran: Advanced Tajweed rules help in understanding the Quran better. 
• The correct pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm of the words can help in grasping the meaning and context of the verses.
• Preserving the original text: Advanced Tajweed helps to preserve the original text of the Quran. 
• The rules help to ensure that the words are pronounced exactly as they were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• Avoiding mistakes: Advanced Tajweed rules help to avoid mistakes in recitation. 
• Mispronouncing or misinterpreting the words can change their meaning, and this can have serious consequences for understanding the message of the Quran.

Conclusion

Learning to read the Qur’an is one of the things for which a Muslim receives a great reward in this world and the hereafter. 

In addition to that, there are many techniques for learning the Holy Qur’an, which is the focus of our attention in this article.

Therefore, we have mentioned many steps that help you learn to read the Qur’an in this way.

Such as learning the letters of the alphabet and learning the rules of intonation, as well as ways to memorize the Qur’an and to learn to read the Quran word by word