
Is Tajweed with Arab Teachers Always the Best Option?
An Honest Reflection for Students of the Qur’an
Some times students wonder whether learning tajweed with Arab teachers is always the best option. Not long ago, during a group class, I corrected a sister’s pronunciation — specifically her kasrah. It wasn’t articulated properly, so I gently pointed it out. She replied:
“I don’t see what’s wrong, because my Arab muallimaat never corrected me on this. I’ll ask them.”
This is more common than you might think. In fact, many students assume that if a teacher is Arab, then they must automatically be experts in Qur’anic recitation and Arabic pronunciation. After all, Arabic is their mother tongue — so they must know best, right?
The Truth About Arabic and Tajweed
However, the reality is different. Most native Arabic speakers today do not speak fusha (Classical Arabic) in their daily lives. Instead, they use their local dialects, which can differ significantly from the structure and pronunciation of fusha — not to mention the precise articulation required in tajweed.
Therefore, correct Qur’an pronunciation isn’t something someone knows just because he/she is Arab. It’s a skill that must be studied, practiced, and passed down through proper training.
What Really Makes a Good Tajweed Teacher?
For example, a teacher — Arab or not — must have studied the makharij (articulation points), the sifat (attributes of each letter), and the detailed rules of tajweed under a qualified instructor. Without that, even a native speaker may make serious mistakes or pass on incorrect recitation habits.
On the other hand, non-Arab teachers who have studied tajweed properly often teach with great clarity and precision.
So, Should You Choose a Teacher Just Because he/she is Arab?
Don’t choose a teacher based solely on where they’re from or what their mother tongue is. Instead, ask the right questions:
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Have they studied tajweed formally?
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Can they explain the rules clearly?
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Are they qualified to teach the Qur’an?
In conclusion, what truly matters is not your teacher’s origin — but their knowledge, training, and ability to help you recite the Book of Allah as it was revealed.
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