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Question

Assalam alaikoum,

Dear brother or sister.

I would love to learn the art of reading the Qur'an. I am not a native Arab. So I suppose it will be a long process. Is there a school here in New York ?    

I am so serious about it that I won't even exclude the possibility to obtain a scholarship and really learn the art. I am talking about being able to read like Bassit or imam Soudais. And it is not a joke. 

Answer

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh.  We would not consider such a noble goal as a joke and certainly it is a very possible goal to achieve.  We do suggest that instead of choosing a certain reciter to read like, that you make dua’ that you will be able to read  the Qur’an as it was revealed to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah upon him, and that Allah will be pleased with your recitation.

You did not mention whether you can read Arabic or not yet, or at what level.  The first step is to learn how to read, and find a good teacher to correct you in your recitation.  Usually mosques have teachers willing to help out.  Once you have become proficient and fluent in your reading you need to apply the tajweed rules and be corrected on them in your recitation. We have answered a similar question previously, please click on this link for more information: http://www.abouttajweed.com/01010302.htm