By Nur Farahiyah Mohamed Ally

Before I could even understand the deep meanings of the words, my mother was already teaching me to love the Qur’an.

I still remember how her voice would become soft whenever she recited it. Her face would brighten when she explained a verse to me in a way I could understand. She always said the Qur’an should be my guide, my strength, and my best companion in life.

But even as I tried to connect, I faced a struggle. I couldn’t read Jawi properly.

During lessons, I mostly followed the translations in English or Malay. I felt a bit ashamed and frustrated, especially when others could read fluently. I really wanted to read it the way my mum did.

I tried to learn, but it was hard. I made mistakes. I kept forgetting things. And honestly, there were times I felt like giving up.

Then my mother passed away.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un”

“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return.”

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:156

After she left, life felt dull like all the colours disappeared. Everything became quiet. I didn’t even touch the Qur’an for a while. It reminded me too much of her, and the sadness was too much to carry.

But one day, while doing house chores, I saw the same Qur’an we used to read together.

My heart suddenly felt heavy, but also full. It was like I could hear my mum’s voice whispering, “Make me proud.” I picked it up slowly, unsure if I could even try again.

But holding it felt different this time. I wasn’t just holding a book, I was holding my mum’s love, her hopes, and the faith she tried to pass on to me.

Not long after that, I met Ustaz Sameer, who helped me start from the very beginning with Iqra.

He didn’t rush me. He didn’t judge me for not knowing. He made me feel safe to make mistakes.

With his help, I began slowly learning how to read Arabic letters, one by one. He was patient, and he explained things simply. Each small progress felt like a victory.

I’m still learning. I haven’t reached the Qur’an yet in full, but I’ve started understanding parts of it and that alone gives me peace. There are still days I struggle with pronunciation or forget a rule.

But then I remember a hadith that brings me comfort:

“The one who recites the Qur’an and masters it will be with the noble angels. And the one who reads with difficulty, stumbling or struggling, will have twice the reward.”

Prophet Muhammad – Bukhari & Muslim

That hadith reminds me that Allah sees every effort. That my slow pace, my stumbles, they’re not failures. They’re steps toward Him. Bit by bit, something changed. I began to enjoy the process.

Some days I read just one line from Iqra. Other days, I listen to surahs while resting. It’s not about how much I do, it’s about the intention. And every small effort feels like I’m getting closer to the faith my mother once planted in me.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: you don’t need to be perfect to begin.

The Qur’an is for everyone, not just fluent readers. Start with Iqra. Start by listening. Start with your heart.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “good enough” or too far behind please know, you’re not alone.

And you’re never too far to return.

Now, when I sit with my Iqra book, I feel my mother close to me. I feel her love and her prayers surrounding me.

The seed she planted years ago is starting to grow. And maybe, by sharing this story, a similar seed can grow in your heart too.

Do You Believe in One God
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