NOW & THEN #03: Learning Quran
NOW & THEN #03: A Journey of Learning to Read the Quran
Friday 26.2.2021
As I sit here writing this note, I can hear my wife reciting Surah Al-Kahfi. The familiar rhythm of the verses stirs something deep within me, triggering a reflection on my own journey of learning to read and recite the Quran—a journey filled with struggles, delays, and ultimately, fulfillment. It is a long story, but I will try to keep it brief.
In the 1960s, when I was in primary school at Pondok Beris Bachok, Kelantan, my father—a respected Tok Guru Pondok—sent me to my aunt, Mak Yam, to learn how to read the Quran. My father was well-versed in nahu, soraf, and mantik and taught adult students and teachers. However, as a child, I was more interested in playing with my friends than attending Quran lessons.
I frequently played truant, and whenever my father checked on my attendance, my aunt would cover for me, assuring him that I had attended class. As a result, by the age of 12, my reading level was far behind my peers in the village. I had only completed Surah Al-Baqarah, the first juzuk of the Quran, leaving 29 juzuk unfinished. In contrast, my youngest son completed his khatam Quran in Standard 6. Sadly, I only completed mine at the age of 50.
Excuses, Priorities, and Regret
Why did it take me so long? Though I had my reasons, they were not good excuses. After leaving home to study in boarding schools from 1965 to 1972, academic performance became my priority, while religious education, including Quranic studies, took a back seat. Realizing this setback, I at least made an effort to learn specific Surahs—Yasin, Al-Mulk, As-Sajdah, Al-Waqi’ah, and Al-Kahfi—from my mother.
A turning point came during one of my umrah trips to Mecca. While sitting near the Kaabah, I saw a young Indonesian man reciting the Quran with perfect tajweed and tarannum. I was 40 years old—twice his age—yet I still could not read the Quran properly. Shame and regret overwhelmed me. What were my excuses? That I was too busy upgrading my career, setting up a business, and chasing worldly success?
As I grew older, I became more active in my local masjid, learning more about Islam, particularly Tafseer Al-Quran and Tasawwuf. But I still had not completed my khatam Quran.
A Wake-Up Call and a New Commitment
One day, my cousin, Ustaz Zakaria, asked me, “When are you going to perform your Hajj?” That question struck me deeply. I was in my late forties and financially capable of performing Hajj, yet I had not made the effort. That was my wake-up call.
In January 2003, my wife and I performed our Hajj. In preparation, we took a crucial step—we hired a Quran teacher to come to our house weekly. Over three years, we khatam Quran twice. It was difficult, but I pushed through, knowing it was something I had to do.
The Joy of Completing My Khatam Quran
At the age of 50, I organized a small kenduri at Surau Taman Maluri to celebrate my Majlis Khatam Quran, inviting friends and neighbors. It was a moment of immense gratitude and joy—one of the most fulfilling achievements of my life as a Muslim.
Lessons Learned
1. It is never too late to learn. Age is not a barrier; learning is a lifelong journey.
2. Excuses only delay progress. Prioritizing the Quran should never take a back seat to career or worldly pursuits.
3. A good teacher makes a difference. Having a structured learning approach and guidance accelerates progress.
4. Consistency is key. Even small, regular efforts can lead to great achievements.
5. Self-reflection sparks change. Sometimes, a simple moment—like seeing someone else’s proficiency—can trigger the determination to improve.
6. Faith and effort go hand in hand. We must take action, but ultimately, success comes from Allah’s guidance and blessings.
So, don’t be discouraged or shy. Keep learning. Keep improving. The Quran is a lifelong companion, and the journey of understanding it never truly ends.
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