Does reading only the translation of the Quran count as tilawah when one's recitation is not fluent and one fears mistakes in makhraj or tajwid?

Summary

Reading a translation of the Quran without first reciting its verses is permitted and is regarded as a commendable effort to understand the Quran. However, the basis of recitation is the original Arabic, so a translation alone is not sufficient and there is no excuse not to read it in Arabic. Learning tajwid is obligatory under the principle that whatever is needed to fulfil an obligation is itself obligatory, and one should seek a teacher to improve one's recitation.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.