Learning Traditional Sciences: how one knows which teachers to follow?
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Question
My question deals with learning the traditional sciences. I don’t have access to well-known scholars of traditional Islam and I am very eager to continuing my Islamic education while working and under a teacher(s). My question is how am I to know what teachers to follow? And also specifically for Tajwid. How do I know if I am learning the correct way or reciting or the South Asian way? I understand the basics, but I don’t know how to be tactful in asking the teacher if he really knows what he’s talking aboutAnswer
Assalamu Alaikum,
Masha Allah it is really heartwarming to hear that you are interested in continuing your Islamic education whilst you are working. Try to ask around about traditional Islamic Scholars in your locality whom you can further your Islamic education with. If you can’t find any, then be patient because Insha Allah soon the www.sunnipath.com website will be offering online courses.
As for Tajwid, that is nothing to really worry about because every scholar who goes through the course also covers in detail the science of Tajwid. Now if the scholar is a non-Arab, then for sure most likely he will not read like an Arab. But what concerns you is the learning of the Tajwid rules. And that could be taught to you by any qualified traditional scholar. There are two distinctive aspects to Tajwid. One is reciting the Noble Quran in a sweet melodious voice and the other is reciting the Noble Quran with the rules and regulations of Tajwid. The first aspect is Allah given and can not be acquired through human effort. The second aspect can be mastered by anyone who makes an effort to learn the rules. What concerns you and the teacher you find is the second aspect and not the first. If you find someone who recites in a melodious voice as well, then that is your good luck.
And Allah knows best.
Nazim Mangera
Chicago, USA
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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