In the spiritual journey of a Muslim, the Quran holds a place of paramount importance. It is a guide for life and a source of comfort, inspiration, and wisdom. To fully appreciate and internalize its teachings, Muslims worldwide strive to recite the Quran in its most authentic form. This is where the art and science of Tajweed of Quran come into play. Tajweed, derived from the Arabic root word ‘j-w-d’ meaning ‘to improve’ or ‘to make better,’ refers to the set of rules governing the pronunciation during the recitation of the Quran. Understanding the Tajweed meaning ensures that each letter is given its due right, from articulation to duration, preserving the divine message’s original beauty and meaning.
What is the Tajweed of the Quran?
What is Tajweed in Islam? In Arabic, Tajweed refers to the set of rules for correct pronunciation during the recitation of the Quran. Although the term “Tajweed” is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, Allah SWT highlights its significance in Surah Al-Muzammil, where it is stated: “and recite the Quran ˹properly˺ in a measured way.”
Muslims are instructed to recite the Quran in a measured and beautiful manner, reflecting its divine origin and ensuring the integrity of its message. The Quran, revealed by Allah with its precise wording and meaning, requires careful pronunciation to preserve its meaning and beauty.
The necessity of Tajweed rules also stems from the Quran being in Arabic. To maintain the correct recitation of the Quran, one must adhere to the specific characteristics of the Arabic language. Thus, Tajweed encompasses the comprehensive set of rules that govern the recitation of the Quran, making it essential for anyone aiming to achieve accurate and melodious recitation. Through proper recitation of the Quran with Tajweed, Muslims can ensure they honour the sacred text as it was revealed.
Importance of Tajweed of Quran
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the tajweed quran, praising those who followed its rules in their recitation. A narration from Abdullah bin Mas’ud mentions that Abu Bakr and Umar conveyed the glad tidings that the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever would like to recite the Quran as fresh as when it was revealed, let him recite it like Ibn Umm ‘Abd.”
Additionally, the Prophet (PBUH) advised, “Make your voices beautiful when you recite the Quran” (Sunan An-Nasa’i). This underscores the importance of reciting the Quran in the best possible manner. Human nature gravitates towards beauty, striving to read in a way that touches the heart and soothes the soul. A recitation imbued with Tajweed maintains the Quran’s authenticity and enhances the spiritual experience, invoking a sense of awe and making worship profoundly beautiful.
Basic Quran Tajweed Rules
Lesson 1: Tanween and Noon Sakinah
A fundamental aspect of tajweed quran involves the rules of Noon Sakinah and Tanween. Understanding these is essential for proper recitation.
- Tanween refers to nunation, which adds the sounds “an” with fatha, “un” with damma, and “in” with kasra at the end of words.
- Noon Sakinah is a Noon with Jazm (sukoon), meaning it is static without a vowel. Both Tanween and Noon Sakinah follow specific rules depending on the letters that come after them, and these rules are categorized into Ikhfaa, Izhaar, Idghaam, and Iqlaab.
- Izhaar (Making Clear)
When one of the throat letters (Huruf Halqiyyah: خ, غ, ح, ع, هـ, ء) follows Tanween or Noon Sakinah, the recitation is clear without merging or hiding the sounds.
- Idghaam (Merging)
This involves merging a non-voweled letter with a voweled one, creating a single prolonged sound. Idghaam is of two types:
- – Without Ghunnah: When letters Lam (ل) or Ra (ر) follow Tanween or Noon Sakinah.
- – With Ghunnah: When letters Ya (ي), Noon (ن), Meem (م), or Waw (و) follow Tanween or Noon Sakinah, a nasal sound is prolonged for two beats.
- Iqlaab (Converting)
When the letter Ba (ب) follows Tanween or Noon Sakinah, the sound changes to Meem with a two-beat nasalization.
- Ikhfaa (Hiding)
When any of the remaining letters (ت، ث، ج، د، ذ، ز، س، ش، ص، ض، ط، ظ، ف، ق، ك) follow Tanween or Noon Sakinah, the Noon sound is hidden with a nasalization.
2. Lesson 2: Rules of Meem Sakinah
The rules for Meem Sakinah are similar to those for Noon Sakinah and Tanween:
- Ikhfaa Shafawy
When a Ba (ب) follows a Meem Sakinah, the Meem is hidden with a nasal sound.
- Idghaam Mutamathelyne Sagheer
This occurs when a Meem with a vowel follows a Meem Sakinah, merging them into a single prolonged sound.
- Izhaar Shafawy
When any letter other than Meem or Ba follows Meem Sakinah, the Meem is pronounced clearly.
3. Lesson 3: Al Madd (Prolongation)
Madd refers to the elongation of certain letters (ا, و, ى). The duration varies based on the following conditions:
- – Two Beat Madd (Natural Madd): Occurs naturally without any specific reason, like a hamza or sukoon.
- -Four or Six Beat Madd (Flexible Madd): Applied when pausing on a word with Madd.
- – Four Beat Madd: Occurs in the middle of a word when followed by a hamza.
- – Six Beat Madd: Occurs when a Shaddah follows a Madd letter.
4. Lesson 4: Qalqalah (Echoing)
Qalqalah involves echoing certain letters (ق، ط، ب، ج، د) when they appear without vowels. The echo is stronger if the letter is at the end of a word.
Lesson 5: Noon and Meem Mushaddad
When Noon or Meem has a Shaddah sign, a two-beat nasal sound (Ghunnah) is applied, even when pausing on that letter.
Understanding these Quran tajweed rules is crucial for any student of the Quran. They ensure that the recitation remains true to its divine origins and is performed with beauty and precision.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Quranic Arabic for Recitation?
The time it takes to learn Quranic Arabic for recitation varies from person to person, typically ranging from 2 to 6 months. This duration can be shorter or longer depending on individual learning speeds. Regular lessons and dedicated weekly study time can significantly enhance the learning process.
A crucial factor in this journey is having a skilled instructor. Learning from someone experienced in teaching Tajweed ensures that you understand the rules, apply them correctly, and retain them permanently. It’s not about how quickly you learn but how well you possess the knowledge.
For those looking to master Quran tajweed online, finding a reliable platform is essential. Online courses like those offered by Easyway To Learn Quran provide structured courses and the flexibility to create a personalized study plan, ensuring an effective and convenient learning experience.
Incorporate listening and repetition into your Tajweed practice routine. Listen to recitations by skilled Quranic reciters to familiarize yourself with proper pronunciation and intonation. After listening, repeat the verses multiple times to reinforce memorization.
Tajweed outlines four rules for correctly pronouncing Noon Saakin and Tanween with other letters: Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfaa. Izhar displays Noon Saakin or Tanween when followed by certain throat letters. Idgham merges Noon Saakin or Tanween with specific letters, either with or without ghunna.
Tajweed is the science of reciting the Quran with proper pronunciation and articulation. It encompasses a set of guidelines that govern the correct way to read the holy book, ensuring that the letters are pronounced accurately and the words are delivered. The rules of Tajweed cover various aspects, such as the sounds of the letters, when to emphasize or suppress them, and numerous other principles that must be observed to recite the Quran in a manner that is pleasing to the ear and faithful to the original text.
Colour-coded Tajweed often employs a palette of seven distinct colours, aiding students in mastering the art of Quranic recitation. By visually distinguishing different Tajweed rules through colour, learners can more effectively grasp the intricacies of proper pronunciation and intonation. These rules not only assist in accurate recitation but also serve to enhance the beauty and eloquence of the reciter’s Quranic recitation.
The prevailing scholarly opinion holds that reciting the Quran by Tajweed rules is not an absolute obligation. Rather, Tajweed serves to elevate and embellish one’s recitation, making it more aesthetically pleasing. If an individual reads the Quran clearly, pronounces the letters accurately, and adheres to the vowel markings, then this is considered sufficient from a religious perspective. While Tajweed is highly encouraged and considered a praiseworthy practice, it is not an absolute requirement for the validity of one’s recitation.
Learning Tajweed can be made easier by following a structured and consistent approach. Here are some effective tips:
1. Enroll in a Tajweed Course: Joining a formal, in-person or online course provides structured lessons and access to qualified teachers. Online platforms offer flexibility and the opportunity to learn at your own pace.
2. Find a Qualified Teacher: A knowledgeable instructor can provide personalized guidance, correct mistakes, and ensure you understand and apply Tajweed rules accurately.
3. Use Tajweed Books and Resources: Many books and online resources explain the rules of Tajweed in detail. These can supplement your learning.
4. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering Tajweed. Set aside dedicated time each day for recitation practice.
5. Listen to Skilled Reciters: Listening to proficient Quran reciters can help you understand the application of Tajweed rules and improve your recitation. Try to imitate their pronunciation and style.
6. Join a Study Group: Learning with others can motivate you to practice recitation in a supportive environment.
7. Take Advantage of Technology: Use apps and online tools to teach Tajweed. Many resources offer interactive lessons, quizzes, and feedback to enhance your learning experience.
Combining these methods and staying committed to regular practice can make learning Tajweed easier and more rewarding.