Question

I recently began as a new student in a Qur'an tajweed class.  Our teacher has given us many definitions of articulation points for different letters.  Is it really necessary to learn all these definitions, can't we just check the book when we get stuck?

Answer

Congratulations on becoming a student of the Qur’an.  The Prophet , said, “The best of you are those that learn the Qur’an and teach it.”  Related by Bukhari and Muslim.  With purity of intention only goodness can come out of your studies, and your reward with Allah will be great. 

Learning the articulation points of the letters is of the utmost importance when learning the Qur’an.  If we pronounce a letter incorrectly, meaning we use the wrong articulation point, we may, unintentionally, change the meaning of the Qur’an.  The first step in pronouncing the letters correctly is learning where they are articulated from, then practicing.  If we learn the articulation definition by memory, we have the first step available to us at all times, and can rely on that definition to practice the letter.  We recite the Qur’an in all sorts of situations and locations, and having the articulation definitions memorized means we can practice correct recitation in all these varied settings.  It is not practical to take the book with you wherever you go and look it up.  At first it may seem overwhelming to learn all these definitions, but with Allah’s help, and after that your patience and perseverance, you will see, insha’ Allah, that the struggle is well worth it.  May Allah make easy for you and all Muslims all aspects of recitation of the Qur’an, including learning the articulation points.