First of all, we’d like to state that there is great merit in learning how to read the Qur’an properly, memorizing it, and teaching it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in this regard: “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it” (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Also `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`Aas quoted Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “It will be said to the one who had memorized the Qur’an [and acted upon it]: ‘Recite the Qur’an (ascending the levels of Paradise thereby) and do so slowly and melodiously just as you used to recite slowly and melodiously in the world since your abode will be at the place where you finish reciting your last verse.’” You see now that one earns tremendous reward in committing the Qur’an to heart, acting upon it, and conveying its message to others.
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “The best way to learn the Qur’an is from the mouth of a trained teacher, so try to find one if you can. It should not be very hard to find one if you are living in a major city. If, for some reason, you are unable to find one, then still you should not be held back from taking whatever steps you can in order to learn how to read the Qur’an according to the best of your ability and means.
You can certainly make use of courses on video, DVDs, CDs, or even cassette tapes for this purpose, provided they are produced by reputable reciters such as Shaikh `Abdul Basit, Husary, Sudays, Hudhayfi. They are readily available in almost all of the Islamic bookstores. You may obtain first a copy of Qur’an for Little Muslims (CDs/cassettes) from Astrolabe, which has been produced especially for children. It would also be beneficial to supplement mere recitation of the Qur’an with exposure to the meanings of the recited Word. For this purpose The Holy Qur’an for School Children: Part 30, Juz’ `Amma by Iqra should be beneficial.
A great work for gaining benefits from the Qur’an is The Way to the Quran by Khurram Murad.
May Allah make the noble Qur’an a true source of light and mercy and guidance for us in this world as well as the next. Ameen.