Is It Possible to Learn the Qur'an Without Guidance from a Teacher? Check Out the Interesting Explanation from Ustadz Adi Hidayat!

Kapanlagi.com - The Qur'an, the holy book of Muslims, was revealed by Allah SWT to the Prophet Muhammad SAW through the Angel Gabriel. Until now, the Qur'an remains a guide and direction for all Muslims.

As followers of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, it is very important for us to study the Qur'an in the correct way, following the footsteps of the scholars of the past who have preserved the authenticity of this teaching until it reached the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

In a study session led by Ustadz Adi Hidayat (UAH), an interesting question arose from one of the congregation members: Is it permissible to learn to read the Qur'an without a teacher? UAH answered firmly, "The Qur'an must be studied with a sanad. The sanad refers to the chain of teaching from teachers who have received the knowledge of the Qur'an properly.

Thus, when they teach us, the teachings will be connected to the teachings of the previous teachers until it reaches the Prophet." Furthermore, UAH emphasized that the Qur'an is not just an ordinary Arabic text. Mistakes in reading the Qur'an can have fatal consequences, as they can change the meaning contained within it.

Therefore, it is important for us to study and read the Qur'an with great caution and proper guidance, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Wednesday (12/2/2025).

1. Misreading, Misunderstanding

UAH provides an interesting example with the letters alif, lam, and mim ( ).

When these letters are placed in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse one, we hear the sound 'Alif lm mm', whereas if placed in Surah Al-Fiil, verse one, it changes to 'Alam'.

"How do we know that 'Alam' comes from 'Alif lm mm'? Surely there is a teacher who teaches this," UAH explained.

Even though we are currently surrounded by modern prints of the Qur'an and advanced technology that facilitates reading, UAH emphasizes that the ability to read the Qur'an does not solely depend on tools, but also on understanding the rules of tajwid and makharijul huruf, which is the point of exit for each hijaiyah letter.

2. Knowledge Without Sanad is Dangerous

In a stirring explanation, UAH emphasizes the importance of learning the Qur'an under the guidance of a teacher.

KH Reza Ahmad Zahid, or more commonly known as Gus Reza Lirboyo, underscores the vital value of sanad in religious knowledge.

He likens sanad to tracks that must be followed; without these tracks, one can get lost in knowledge.

"Without sanad, a person can say whatever they like," he asserted during an interview with NU Online.

Gus Reza even reminds that, "Whoever seeks knowledge without a teacher, then their teacher is the devil," referring to a well-known saying among scholars. Wallahu a'lam.

(kpl/rao)