It is permissible to recite the Qur’an fast, especially for huffazz who are preparing for Taraweeh. But that doesn’t give us a license to break the laws of the Qur’an and recite incorrectly. In Ramadan, some of us may desire to read two or three ajzaa per day. This is a noble intention. However, we must ask ourselves: What is the quality of the recitation, is it saheeh (correct)? If it is, then alhamdulillah. Continue. But if not, and by reading fast you are making major errors, then opt to read slowly instead. Read less but read correctly. That is better, as quality is more important than quantity.
At times, a musalli may desire to pray Taraweeh behind an Imaam who is reciting two or three ajzaa per day. This is also a noble intention, provided that we pray behind someone who is reciting correctly. In Darul Uloom Azaadville, Hafiz Yusuf Jassat recites the entire Qur’an in one Taraweeh Salah. Naturally, his recitation is quite fast but it is saheeh alhamdulillah.
It is incumbent upon us all to learn how to recite the Qur’an correctly, and to study the translation and tafseer. It is a saddening reality, that many people are simply not bothered by the number of mistakes they make during recitation. For some, years have elapsed and they go through many milestones in life, yet they still cannot recite properly. We claim to be too busy, yet somehow we find the time for everything else. This is a great weakness on our side. We must admit this and make an effort to learn. This is a right the Qur’an has over us, and it is a sin to neglect it. May Allah grant us the ability to recite correctly and regularly, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 8/5/19 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full talk, please click here.