About 10-12 months ago, I have made a niyyat that I want to learn how to recite the Holy Quran fluently. I detailed about it in my post [1] learning to read the Quran.

One of the goals I have set was to be able to take part in Quran recitations in the Month of Ramadhan. Unfortunately, this did not come to fruition - because I felt ashamed of reading it pretty slowly in front of everybody. I will say however, that while I did not achieve that goal, I know for certain that I will be taking part in Quran recitations in the next month of Ramadhan 1428.

What have I done to ensure I meet my goal:

I made a goal of reciting every day with my mum - My mum has been an excellent teacher. She has been patient with me and sat down with me even on days when she was really tired. She corrected me, where I went wrong and gave me much encouragement to recite everyday esp. on days when I was too tired. May Allah (SWT) shower her with His blessings.

Since then, I learnt the alphabet well - I must say I make error confusing "Te" with "Ye" because of the 2 dots, and sometimes "Meem" with "Noon" - but I think I have come a long way in learning to recite.

Lately a friend of mine has been listening to me recite the Quran over the phone, again patiently correcting me where I go wrong, and pointing out the mistakes I make. I cannot express how much I appreciate the time spent listening to me recite. May Allah (SWT) bless my friend.

What I came to realise is that no matter how much one pushes someone to do something, they will never truly do it properly unless they wanted to do it with their heart. For me, I think it comes from my heart the willingness to learn - coupled with the embarrassment I will face on the day of Judgement, I felt very determined to learn to read this holy book.

I remember years ago, my mum used to say to me - "Will you never recite Yaasin for me after I pass away?" and I remember telling her, "Mum, Inshallah I will." I am pleased to say, it came from within me to want to learn, and that I have achieved this one wish for my mum and I will never ever forget her when ever I recite Yaasin.

Having been reciting Quran once a day, for the past 1 to 2 months, I feel a change within myself. I feel a great feeling of acheivement, prosperity and a sense of purpose in life. Where I would once upon a time watch TV or slack around on the computer - I now choose to spend my time bulding towards my goals here and hopefully gaining some brownie points for the hearafter.

May Allah (SWT) accept the efforts that my dear mum and friend have put in this to simply dedicate their precious time for me. I will never ever forget them in my Prayers.

My final wish to Allah (SWT) is that I can get completely fluent in recitation - such that I can recite without any mistakes.