Question for Muslims only please...?

Question

This maybe a little difficult to understand and embarassing for me, but I have trouble reading Arabic in the Holy Qu'ran. I can't read it because of............

many reasons. My mother can read but cannot teach me, and my dad doesn't even pray. And I grew up in many countries in Europe and East Asia and couldn't really find people to actually teach me. And even if I did, I didn't like them.

I pray based on the verses I memorized taught by my mother.

I fast during Ramadan when situations are best, such that I can do my work effectively, especially considering I do not get any holidays or incentives in a non Muslim majority country. My life is fast and at times hectic.

Does that make me a good Muslim? Or a Muslim by definition?

Answer 1

This makes you a Muslim who is being tested by Allah with the trials of this life, and to bear these tests patiently and strive to please Allah is better.

"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). "
( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #155)

"Do you think that you will enter Paradise before Allah tests those of you who fought (in His Cause) and (also) tests those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.)?"
( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #142)

I can recommend a good site where you can listen to the verses of Qur'an and learn how to read and recite them in Arabic. It has good, slow recitation to help you at a pace that suits you: http://www.reciter.org

You can also go to the following site where you will find the Qur'an online available in a number of languages. There you will also find a transliteration of Arabic so that you can read along with the recitation: http://www.searchtruth.com

I hope these sites benefit you.

As for leaving fasting whilst working etc, this is not allowed. Working, even strenuous work is not considered a valid excuse for breaking the fast, as you cn see from the following fatwa:

Breaking his Fast due to Strenuous Work

Question:

What is your eminence’s opinion regarding a person whose work is strenuous and it is difficult for him to fast, is it permissible for him to break the fast?

Answer:

It is my opinion in this matter that for him to break his fast due to work is unlawful, and it is not permissible. If it is not possible for him to reconcile his work with fasting, then he should take off from work during Ramadan, so that it is easy for him to fast in Ramadan. The fast of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islaam and it is not possible to forsake it.

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Islamic Verdicts on The Pillars of Islaam, vol.2, page.630

Asalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu

Answer 2

Salam :) I'm a Muslim youngster residing in Canada. I put on hijab alhamdullilah and it is for probably the most side authorised right here given that i reside in a massive town with a colossal Muslim populace. I do get the few ignorant feedback and idiots at tuition although who ask stuff like "yo bought a bomb beneath there hahaha". But the toughest side is being special out of your peers. Being a Muslim, events, alcohol relationship boys dressed in revealing apparel and so on is haram, and whilst I do not wish to do this besides, it may be somewhat awkward to have got to give an explanation for why I do not do it to men and women who do not forget it only a side of being a teen and its normal to them. Muslims residing in Muslim international locations without doubt have it less complicated relating to becoming in. And with meals it may be somewhat problematic however I continuously attempt to learn the label if I'm no longer certain of the elements. But I would not wanna be another faith regardless of how problematic it will get and the way special I suppose from every person else, I'm blissful to be Muslim :)

Answer 3

Let me tell u friend, even simply reciting the memorized verses, though u dont know the meaning, but reciting them with full faith will give u sawaab. There might b atleast one madrasa in ur city (check it out) where u can find people to teach u proper arabic. Make a habit to pray regularly.even if u pray once daily, pray with full faith and heart and all ur wishes will come true. If u intend to be a good muslim, that means u ARE a good muslim

Answer 4

Ohh brother, you should not even question this question, of course you are a Muslim and a good one too, because you worry about the well doing of your religion, that's a thumb up for you over there.
but you have to remember one very important thing, Islam was never tied with Arabic, The majority of Muslims in the world are non Arabic, so if you can't read quran in Arabic read it in the language you know best.
you can go learn Arabic, and start with the small suras etc...
as fasting my friend, you should not give it up, you know how important that in Islam, it doesn't matter if you live in a non Muslim country.

Answer 5

Salaam alaykum.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the one who cannot read the Qur'an perfectly and has trouble (stammering or cannot read properly or anything else) will get a special reward just because he/she is trying. And as long as you know what you're saying, its okay, make sure you learn the meanings of what you're saying too.

You should fast as much as possible, unless you're ill or traveling, or fasting makes you ill. If you still can't fast all the days, then make sure you at least make up for the missed ones after Ramadhan.

Try your best :)

Answer 6

I'm pretty much on the same boat as you are and I try to teach myself how to read the Quran and/or memorize surahs. I actually have the last chapter (Uma) on cd. My goal is to memorize the last chapter by heart!

It does make you a good Muslim to even acknowledge that you would like to learn more. I think you should try your hardest and don't get your fast life mixed in with Islam. I know its tough, believe me I know, but you can definitely make it work!

Answer 7

Your question isn't difficult. It is all up to you and your choices. You do have a free will and you choose as you wish. As a Muslim, there are the five pillars to believe in and act upon. Sounds as though you should sincerely ask Allaah (AzaWa Jel) to give you a new lease on your eman. Pray two rakats and ask Allah to increase you in your faith. Of course be sincere. As for being a good or bad Muslim, this is the faith in your heart in which that case, only Allah can see. We can't judge you. We can advise.

Answer 8

You are a good Muslim. From what you posted I would surmise that your intent is genuine. I also cannot read Arabic but I am trying to learn...as long as the intent is pure and you try there is nothing, in my opinion to worry about.

Answer 9

I was always taught by my parents, that those who have trouble reciting the Quran receive more rewards then those who recite it quickly and efficiently. This is due to the fact that the person who is having trouble is putting more effort into his/her reading. The best way to learn reading Quran is to start off by learning how to pernounce the Arabic alphabet.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Answer 10

slamo 3aleko well what i can say is Allahu a3lam only Allah knows. if you are doing as you can to follow your deen and ur are trying to follow ur deen better than what ur parents followed be it their fault or not their fault...then i say u are good Muslim. it is the intentions from your heart in which Allah subhana wa ta'ala looks at. because our Islam comes from our hearts. make du'at and live up to ur deen as you can. insha'Allah Allah will guide you as He wills.

don't feel so bad about taking Ramadan slowly Allah knows your situation and remember that your making your fast for His honor but for your benefit. i am not fasting now because i am sick. and i am irritated because i want to join Ramadan with the rest of the brothers and sisters of Islam. all what i can do is pray that Allah heals me and heals me fast. i do intented to make up my days insha'Allah...i already have to make up four days. but alhamdoilliah for everything...