How the Quran should be truely recited?

Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital. They [are the ones who] believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it - it is they who are the losers. (Baqarah 121)

In this verse, Allah swt is emphasizing the importance of giving full right to the recitation of Quran. According to this ayah, a true believer (Muslim) recites Quran in the way it is supposed to be recited. 

The Arabic word 'tilawah' means recitation followed by understanding and action. The complete tilawah of Quran has 3 components:

1) Recitation of words:  to recite Quran as the Quran was revealed to prophet S.A.W. with correct tajweed, articulation, vowel sounds, etc.

2) Understanding the meaning: to understand the meaning of Quranic text correctly as Allah swt intends.

3) Implementation: to follow the commands of Quran, to refrain from prohibitions and to confirm the truthfulness of information given in Quran.

The complete tilawah includes the above mentioned three aspects. If any of the above aspects is neglected then our tilawah is considered incomplete by Allah swt. According to this ayah, the quality of our tilawah detemines our level of iman.

But unfortunately, we are so busy in fulfilling our worldly desires that we hardly have any time for learning and understanding Quran. This poem reflects the current status of Quran in our lives:

I am a Book in elegant prints
To know my name, here are some hints:
Rich in cover and nicely bound
In hearts of Muslims I am rarely found
High on a shelf I am usually kept
Forgotten and neglected, I am left
With respect I do get lots of kiss
My main point is what they always miss

At times I am used for phoney swear
My true use though is very rare
A Miracle I am that can change the world
All one has to do is heed my word
I am your saviour, I am your guide
So come and take heed, come and abide
I have wisdom, I have treasure
So much so, there is no measure
Right from wrong is my fame
Holy Qur'an is my name

 

Alhumdulillah Allah swt has enabled us to understand the importance of improving our recitation and understanding of Quran. Let us start learning this Book of Allah. it will require a lot of efforts in the beginning, but inshallah, Allah swt will reward us for our efforts, inshAllah.

If we claim to be believers, then we should learn to recite Quran the way it is supposed to be recited with understanding and implementation. May Allah swt enable us to perfect out 'tilawah' of Quran, Ameen!