Ayawa haa kathaa: Impressions after my tajweed session
There are a few axioms (or truisms) that I have picked up on in my brief study of Islam. Among these is that the more I learn, the more I learn how much I don’t know. Case in point: Tajweed. Tajweed is an Islamic science that was systematized throughout Islamic history to ensure the preservation of the correct recitation of the Qur’an. I have studied tajweed to varying degrees over the years, and I thought I had “decent” recitation of the Qur’an. But just recently, Allah (swt) gave me the opportunity to sit one-on-one with a scholar who is a master of Qur’anic recitation. My confidence was slowly grinded down to utter humility, as he went on to pick my recitation of the Fatiha apart, piece by piece, not leaving any mistake or rule of tajweed broken, and yielding only when my hour was up. The first sitting with him helped to understand even more that none of the Islamic sciences can be taken lightly, parroted, or “winged” by listening and simply regurgitating what you heard.
It definitely feels good, though, to know that I’m being graded on highest level and that if Allah allows it, I’ll be able to recite the Qu’ran perfectly in the future.
As for right now… I’ll still working to gain consistency in my pronunciation of certain letters, like al-Daad, which is notorious for being the hardest letter to properly pronounce in the Arabic language. I’m finding a consistent pronunciation of al-Daad, though. And it is always gratifying and funny — simultaneously — when I get a tough letter perfected, because my teacher always exclaims, “Ayawa haa kathaa!” (“Correct! Just like that!”)
I know I have a long way before I can master the recitation of the Qur’an, though, but I constantly get a renewed sense of vigor, drive and fortitude when my teacher recites. As he takes that first breath it is like the elements around him assume a position or state in which they lose their electrons, because sparks fly as soon as the first letters leave his mouth. Subhan’Allah.
For now, it will suffice me to know that Allah has given me an opportunity to study under some one like him and one day be like him if I stay focused and consistent, insha’Allah.
Yeah, being in Egypt is exciting.
