Perform wudu before touching the mushaf and, whenever possible, before recitation; choose a clean place to sit.

Make a sincere intention to recite for the sake of Allah alone, not for show; set your heart on understanding what you recite.

Face the qiblah when convenient; sit respectfully and maintain proper decorum while reciting; handle the mushaf with care and respect.

Begin recitation with Ta'awwudh: A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytani-r-rajim. Then say Bismi-Llahi-r-rahmani-r-rahim at the start of every surah except Surah At-Tawbah.

Learn the makharij — the points in the mouth and throat where each letter is produced; learn the sifaat — the phonetic qualities of each letter, such as heaviness (tafkheem), lightness (tarqeeq), or echo (qalqalah). Practice with a qualified teacher from the start.

Recite slowly and clearly — clarity always trumps speed. Observe the marks of pause (waqf) and continuation (wasl). Pause to ponder the meanings as you recite.