Precision is the hallmark of Quranic recitation. The Holy Quran is the actual text that Almighty Allah revealed, and it demands exactitude. Every Muslim should read and recite the Holy Quran properly and clearly with Tajweed since it is extremely significant for preserving the text from corruption. Almighty Allah said: “...And recite the Quran with measured recitation.” [Al-Muzzammil: 4]. This measurement refers to the precise timing of vowels and the exact articulation of consonants.
What is Tajweed?
Tajweed is derived from the root Jawada (to do well). Technically, it is a science that examines the proper letter articulation when the Holy Quran is being recited. It involves giving each letter its Rights (permanent qualities like Hams or Jahr) and Dues (temporary qualities like Ghunnah or Ikhfa). Ideally, the reciter must know exactly where each letter originates in the mouth (Articulation Point) and how it should sound.
Protocol for Recitation
Technical mastery must be accompanied by proper protocol:
- Wudhu: Ensure purity of body and place.
- Qibla: Face the direction of prayer to align yourself spiritually.
- Istia'dha: Seek refuge from Satan before starting.
- Elevation: Keep the Quran elevated physically.
- Focus: Avoid idle talk; if interrupted, stop the recitation properly.
- Accuracy: Give every letter its full value in terms of sound and time.
- Dua: Conclude with a prayer and affirmation of the truth.
Categories of Tajweed
- Scientific (Theoretical): The knowledge of rules as found in books. This is mandatory for the community as a whole (Fard Kifayah) so that the knowledge is not lost.
- Practical (Applied): The ability to recite correctly. This entails following the Prophet’s (PBUH) oral tradition. Every Muslim is required to recite correctly to the extent of their ability. Our online Quran classes ensure you meet this individual obligation.
Levels of Recitation
- At-Tahqîq: The rigorous, slow style used for teaching. It separates every letter clearly.
- Al-Hadr: The fast style used for memorizers reviewing their Manzil. Care must be taken not to merge letters.
- At-Tadweer: The medium pace, standard for most reciters.
Critical Technical Errors
- Waqf & Ibtida (Stopping & Starting): Stopping on a moving vowel (Harakah) is a major error; one must stop on a Sukoon. Starting from a word that distorts meaning is also prohibited.
- Madd (Elongation): Failing to extend a Madd letter (Alif, Waw, Ya) for the required 2, 4, or 6 counts breaks the rhythm and rules.
- Makharij (Articulation): Pronouncing Thal (ذ) as Zaa (ز) or Tha (ث) as Seen (س). This changes the word's meaning and is considered a major sin if done intentionally.
Master the mechanics of the Divine speech. Enroll in our online Quran course for Kids and adults today to learn Quran with Tajweed precision.
