By Batrisyia Nerva Abdullah

I have to be honest, I’m still in Book 2 of Iqra’.

Sometimes I feel like I’m behind, especially when I see friends my age who can already read the Qur’an so well.

But I’ve learned that what really matters isn’t how fast I go, but that I keep trying, little by little, to get closer to the words of Allah. The Qur’an isn’t like any other book.

It’s the speech of Allah, the One who created everything, sent to guide us, bring us peace, and fill our hearts with light.

EVEN THOUGH I’M STILL LEARNING THE LETTERS AND SOUNDS, I KNOW THAT EVERY SMALL STEP COUNTS.

Each page I read brings me closer to understanding and loving the Qur’an.

Sometimes I get distracted by chatting with friends, scrolling through videos, or just being lazy. But then I remind myself: learning the Qur’an is so much more meaningful than anything else I could be doing.

“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right.”

Surah Al-Isra, 17:9

That verse comforts me. It reminds me that even if I’m only in Book 2, I’m already walking on the right path, the path that leads to what’s best for me in this world and the next.

I remember Ustaz Sameer sharing this hadith in class: “The one who is skilled in reciting the Qur’an will be with the noble angels, and the one who reads it and struggles with it will have two rewards.”

That really touched my heart. It reminded me that Allah sees every effort, even the small ones. He knows when we’re trying, and He rewards us twice when we struggle but keeps going.

What I’ve learned from class is that the Qur’an isn’t just for those who already know a lot. It’s for everyone. For beginners like me, for those returning after a break, and for anyone searching for peace.

So I’ve made a promise to myself: I won’t give up. I’ll finish Book 2, move on to Book 3, and one day, I’ll read the Qur’an fluently, InshaAllah. And after that, I’ll learn its meanings and try to live by them too.

To anyone who feels like they’re “behind,” I want to say: don’t worry. Just start. Even one letter, read sincerely, brings you closer to Allah.

The Qur’an is always waiting for you and Allah’s door is always
open.

I pray that Allah SWT blesses Ustaz Sameer for his kindness and guidance, my grandmother for always bringing us to class, and the sisters who have helped and encouraged me throughout this journey.

May Allah reward them all and help me continue learning with love and patience. Ameen.

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