I know that my recitation of the Quran leaves a lot to be desired. I sat with a Qari some years ago, and he corrected me on many points. I am looking for a teacher to sit with, but due to my job and schedule I have not found one yet. My questions are, firstly, if I am trying me best to recite the Quran now knowing that I have mistakes, will my recitation be rewarded and solat be accepted until I find a teacher? Secondly, I have memorized 3 juzz and am working on a 4th. Should I continue to memorize alone, knowing that I will correct my mistakes later, or should I stop memorizing until I can sit with a teacher?
All praise be to Allah, and may His blessings and peace be on His last prophet and messenger, Muhammad.
You should do your best, and realize that Allah is most forgiving, and He doesn’t burden souls beyond their capacity. He will reward your sincere effort despite the mistakes. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said,
"الْمَاهِرُ بِالْقُرْآنِ مَعَ السَّفَرَةِ الْكِرَامِ الْبَرَرَةِ ، وَالَّذِي يَقْرَأُ الْقُرْآنَ وَيَتَتَعْتَعُ فِيهِ وَهُوَ عَلَيْهِ شَاقٌّ لَهُ أَجْرَانِ ."
“The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur’an will be [resurrected] with the honorable and righteous scribes (angels) and the one who struggles to read it because of its difficulty on him shall have two rewards.” [Muslim from Ayisha]
You should invest all possible effort and time to correct your recitation of al-Fatihah in particular.
Continue to read and memorize. Your effort shall bring you a double reward inshallah.
Allah knows best.
