whose meanings I do not understand. What should I do? Kindly guide me—may Allah bless you.

Answer: A Muslim is required to learn the Qur’an and to be keen on reciting it correctly as much as he is able. He should study with qualified reciters and listen to them so that he can benefit from their rendition and correct whatever mistakes he may have. When a Muslim is earnest in learning and reciting the Qur’an, Allah will, God willing, grant him success.

As for a person who reads the Qur’an without perfect mastery, there is no harm in that; he should read according to his ability. However, he must not stop there. Rather, as we have said, he should constantly strive to refine his recitation and present it to skilled teachers so that he may benefit from them and correct his errors. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said about the one who recites the Qur’an and stammers over it, finding it difficult: “He will receive two rewards.” This indicates that a Muslim should always try to recite the Qur’an and never abandon it. If he perseveres in this effort, Allah will make it easy for him to read the Qur’an properly, as He says: “And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance—so is there anyone who will take heed?” (Qur’an 54:17).

Therefore, be diligent in reciting the Qur’an and perfecting your reading, and Allah, exalted is He, will grant you success.