The Science of Tajweed is a fascinating subject that deals with the correct pronunciation and recitation of the Quran. Tajweed is derived from the Arabic word “jawi” which means to make better or improve. It is an essential aspect of learning the Quran, as it ensures that the reader recites the words correctly and with proper articulation.
In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of the Science of Tajweed, including its importance, history, and key concepts. We will also examine the different types of errors that can occur while reciting the Quran, and how the rules of Tajweed can help to correct them.
What is the concept of Tajweed linguistically and idiomatically?
Linguistically, Tajweed (تجويد) is derived from the Arabic root verb “j-w-d” which means to make something good or improve it. In the context of Quranic recitation, Tajweed refers to the rules and principles of proper pronunciation and articulation of the Arabic letters, sounds, and words to accurately convey the message and beauty of the Quran.
Idiomatically, Tajweed refers to the science of reciting the Quran with proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. It encompasses various aspects of Quranic recitation, including the correct pronunciation of letters and vowels, the duration of sounds, the pauses and stops, and the melody and rhythm of the recitation. Tajweed is considered essential for the proper understanding and appreciation of the Quran, as it helps to preserve and transmit the correct pronunciation of the words and the meaning of the verses.
What is the meaning of Science of Tajweed?
In the context of the Quran, Tajweed refers to the set of rules and principles that are used to properly recite and pronounce the Quranic text. Tajweed is an essential aspect of Quranic recitation, as it helps to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the Quranic text and ensure that it is recited in the way it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The application of Tajweed involves the proper pronunciation of each Arabic letter, including the correct pronunciation of vowels and consonants, and the correct lengthening or shortening of syllables. It also involves the proper application of rules related to stops and pauses, and the correct intonation and rhythm of recitation. The ultimate goal of Tajweed is to recite the Quran in the most beautiful and melodious manner possible, while also conveying the meaning of the text accurately and clearly.
What is the importance of learning Tajweed Quran?
Learning Tajweed Quran is important for several reasons:
1- Preservation of the Quranic text
Tajweed helps to preserve the purity and authenticity of the Quranic text by ensuring that it is recited in the way it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is important because the Quran is considered the literal word of God, and any mistake in its recitation could potentially alter its meaning.
2- Understanding the Quranic text
Tajweed helps to convey the meaning of the Quranic text accurately and clearly. By properly pronouncing each letter and applying the rules of Tajweed, the reciter can accurately convey the intended meaning of the text.
3- Enhancing the spiritual experience
Reciting the Quran with Tajweed can enhance the spiritual experience of the reciter. By reciting the Quran in the most beautiful and melodious manner possible, the reciter can connect with the text on a deeper level and experience a greater sense of awe and reverence.
4- Respecting the Quran
Tajweed is a way of showing respect for the Quran and its message. By taking the time to learn and apply the rules of Tajweed, the reciter is demonstrating a commitment to honoring the Quran and its importance in Islamic faith and tradition.
What is the ruling on learning Quranic Tajweed?
In Islam, there is a strong emphasis on the correct recitation of the Quran, and learning Quranic Tajweed is highly recommended and encouraged. It is considered a religious obligation for Muslims to learn how to recite the Quran properly with Tajweed.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Beautify the Quran with your voices, for a fine voice increases the Qur’an’s attraction” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3789). This hadith emphasizes the importance of reciting the Quran with a beautiful voice, which can only be achieved through the proper application of the rules of Tajweed.
Furthermore, the Quran itself encourages proper recitation, as Allah says, “And recite the Quran with measured recitation” (Quran 73:4). This verse implies that there is a proper way to recite the Quran and that Muslims should strive to recite it in the best way possible. Therefore, it is recommended for Muslims to learn Quranic Tajweed to properly recite the Quran and fulfill their religious obligation.
There are two opinions on this matter, which are explained as follows:
First Opinion: The opinion of the early scholars of Tajweed
It is necessary to adhere to the rules and principles of Tajweed. Whoever neglects it sins, because every reciter of the Quran must apply the rules of Tajweed, unless there is a legitimate excuse that prevents the reciter from doing so, such as stuttering, difficulty in pronunciation, or difficulty in reaching the level of mastery.
Second Opinion: The opinion of the later scholars of Tajweed
Adhering to the rules of Tajweed is a religious obligation. Neglecting it is a sin, as any deviation from the proper application of Tajweed rules could cause the structure or meaning of the Quran to be compromised. Scholars have emphasized the importance of mastery in Quranic recitation, but there are other issues, such as idgham, Izhar, and ikhfa, that do not fall under the category of sin if not implemented correctly.
Therefore, the ruling on learning the rules of Tajweed is a communal obligation, meaning that if some Muslims fulfill it, it is sufficient to absolve others of sin. However, the ruling on applying the rules of Tajweed during Quranic recitation is an individual obligation, meaning that it is obligatory for every Muslim reciter of the Quran.
Read also about: Learn to read Quran
What are the most important rules of Quranic recitation?
There are several important rules of Quranic recitation, which include:
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Proper pronunciation of the Arabic letters
Each Arabic letter has a specific pronunciation, and it is important to pronounce them correctly in order to convey the intended meaning of the Quranic text.
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Proper pronunciation of vowels
Vowels play an important role in Arabic pronunciation, and it is essential to pronounce them correctly in order to convey the correct meaning of words and verses.
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Proper lengthening and shortening of syllables
Certain letters and vowels in Arabic are elongated or shortened, and it is important to apply these rules correctly in order to recite the Quran with Tajweed.
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Proper application of stops and pauses
There are specific rules related to stopping and pausing during Quranic recitation, and it is important to apply them correctly in order to convey the intended meaning of the text.
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Correct intonation and rhythm
The Quranic text has a specific melody and rhythm, and it is important to recite it with the proper intonation and rhythm in order to convey its beauty and message.
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Avoidance of mistakes
It is important to avoid mistakes in Quranic recitation, such as mispronouncing words or letters, as these mistakes can alter the meaning of the text.
Read also about: Quran Academy Online
Jouzour Al-Tajweed (Sections of Tajweed) are divided into several categories, which are explained in detail below:
1- Rules of seeking Refuge and Bismillah
Some believe that seeking refuge is recommended and required when reciting the Quran, while others believe that it is obligatory, especially at the beginning of recitation, based on Allah’s saying: “So when you recite the Qur’an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].” As for Bismillah, it is obligatory for Imam Hafs in all surahs except for Surah Al-Tawbah.
2- Rules of Nun Sakinah and Tanween
There are four rules for Nun Sakinah in terms of Rafa, Jarr, and Nasb, which are:
1- Idghaam
Linguistically, it means the entry of one thing into another, and technically, it refers to the meeting of a silent letter with a vowel letter to become a letter with shaddah, including incomplete and complete idghaam.
2- Iqlaab
Linguistically, it means turning something away from its face, and technically, it means changing the Nun Sakinah into Meem with a nasal sound.
3- Izhaar
Linguistically, it means expression, and technically, it means pronouncing the letter without nasalization.
4- Ikhfaa
Linguistically, it means concealing, and technically, it means pronouncing the letter silently without nasalization, while keeping the ghunnah of the previous letter for two counts.
3- Rules of Meem Sakinah
There are three rules for Meem Sakinah, which are:
1- Idghaam Shafawi
This is when the Meem Sakinah is merged with a Meem letter with a vowel sound at the beginning of the second word so that they become a single letter with shaddah.
2- Ikhfaa Shafawi
This is when the Meem is concealed when it occurs at the beginning of the next word after the Ba letter.
3- Izhaar Shafawi
This is when the Meem is pronounced when it occurs after any letter except for Meem and Ba.
4- Rules of Shaddah
In cases of Wsl and Wqf, ghunnah is obligatory in the Meem and Nun letters with shaddah, whether they occur at the beginning or end of a word, and the duration of the ghunnah is two counts.
5- Rules of Idghaam
Idghaam is divided into three types as follows:
1- Idghaam Mutaqaaribayn
This is when two consecutive letters have the same point of articulation and attributes of the mouth, whether they are in one word or two consecutive words.
2- Idghaam Mutmasalyn
This is when two consecutive letters have the same point of articulation without the same attributes of the mouth.
3- Idghaam Mutaqaarib
This is when two consecutive letters have a close proximity in the point of articulation and attributes of the mouth, but it is limited to two letters only: Laam with Raa and Qaaf with Kaaf.
6- Rules of Tafkheem and Tarqeeq
Tafkheem in Arabic means to emphasize, and technically, it refers to the strength and fullness of the letter when pronounced, while Tarqeeq means to lighten, and technically, it refers to the softness and thinness of the letter when pronounced.
7- Rules of Letters’ Points of Articulation and Attributes
The number of points of articulation of letters is seventeen, and they are derived from five main points of articulation: Jawf (throat), Halq (palate), Lisan (tongue), Shafatain (lips), and Khayshum (nasal cavity). The attributes of the letters aim to differentiate between letters with the same point of articulation, and the known attributes are nineteen: whispering, loudness, softness, hardness, between softness and hardness, prolongation, elevation, openness, closure, thinness, fullness, whistling, and repetition.
8- Rules of Wqf and Ibtidaa
There are two types of Ibtidaa (beginning) based on permissibility:
- Permissible: It leads to the complete meaning intended by Allah, and it is considered a good beginning.
- Impermissible: It corrupts the meaning, disrupts the structure, and changes what Allah intended, and it is considered a bad beginning.
Wqf (pausing) is when the sound is held or cut off during recitation for a moment to take a breath and then resume recitation. Wqf is not allowed in the middle of a word, but only at the end of an ayah or at the beginning of a new one. There are two types of Wqf:
1- Wqf Lazim
It is obligatory to stop at the end of certain verses, such as the end of every surah, or the end of verses that require the completion of a meaning.
2- Wqf Jaiz
It is permissible to stop at the end of a verse or a suitable point in the verse to take a breath or for other reasons.
Read also about: Manners of Reciting the Quran
What are the ways and means of learning Tajweed?
Finding a Qualified Teacher: The best and most effective way to learn Tajweed is through a qualified teacher who has studied Tajweed and can guide and correct your recitation. This can be done in person or online.
1- Tajweed Classes
Many mosques and Islamic centers offer Tajweed classes for adults and children. These classes can be a great way to learn Tajweed in a structured and supportive environment.
2- Online Tajweed Courses
There are many online courses and resources available for learning Tajweed. These courses may include video lessons, interactive exercises, and feedback from qualified teachers.
3- Tajweed Books
There are many books available on Tajweed that can be used as a self-study guide. These books may include explanations of Tajweed rules, practice exercises, and audio recordings.
4- Tajweed Apps
There are also many Tajweed apps available on smartphones and tablets that can be used to learn and practice Tajweed on-the-go.
What are reading mattresses?
Tartil refers to a slow, measured and melodious recitation of the Quranic verses with proper pronunciation and intonation. This is considered the most basic and common level of recitation.
Tadwir refers to a faster pace of recitation while still maintaining proper pronunciation, intonation, and clarity of words.
Hadr is the highest level of Quranic recitation, characterized by a very fast pace of recitation while still maintaining the proper pronunciation, intonation, and clarity of words. This level of recitation requires a high level of skill and mastery of Tajweed rules.
Read also about: Interpretation of the Quran
Principles of Tajweed
Tajweed is the set of rules and principles for proper pronunciation and recitation of the Quran. The following are some of the key principles of Tajweed:
1- Makharij
This refers to the correct articulation of each letter. It involves knowing the exact point of articulation of each letter and pronouncing it from that point as well as understanding the characteristics of each letter.
2- Sifaat
This refers to the characteristics of each letter, such as its heaviness, lightness, length, and shortness. Understanding these characteristics is important for proper pronunciation and intonation.
3- Ghunna
This is the nasalization of certain letters, such as the letters Noon and Meem when they have a diacritical mark on top of them. Understanding when and how to apply the Ghunna is essential for proper recitation.
4- Qalqalah
This refers to the bouncing or echoing sound that certain letters make when pronounced. There are five letters that have Qalqalah: ق، ط، ب، ج، د. Understanding how to apply Qalqalah is important for proper pronunciation.
5- Waqf
This refers to the proper stopping and pausing at the end of each verse. Understanding the rules of Waqf is important for proper recitation, as it helps to maintain the meaning and flow of the Quran.
6- Madd
This refers to the elongation of certain vowel sounds. There are two types of Madd: Madd Asli (original elongation) and Madd Far’i (secondary elongation). Understanding when and how to apply Madd is important for proper recitation.
7- Idgham
This refers to the merging of two letters together, such as the merging of Noon and Meem. Understanding the different types of Idgham and when to apply them is important for proper recitation.
8- Ikhfa
This refers to the concealing of certain letters, such as the letter Noon when it has a diacritical mark on top of it. Understanding when and how to apply Ikhfa is important for proper recitation.
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