The Quran is a miracle not just in meaning, but in sound. The Holy Quran is the actual text that Almighty Allah revealed, and its linguistic structure is perfect. Every Muslim should read and recite the Holy Quran properly and clearly with Tajweed since it is extremely significant to maintaining this beauty. Without Tajweed, the Quran loses its rhythmic power and its ability to penetrate the heart. Almighty Allah said: “The people we gave the Book to are the ones who believe in it, and they read it as it should be read...” [Al-Baqarah 121]. To read it "as it should be read" means to read it with the melody and precision revealed to the Prophet (PBUH).
Defining the Art
Tajweed comes from Jawada, meaning to improve or beautify. It is the science that examines the proper letter articulation when the Holy Quran is being recited. In order to give each letter its rights and obligations, Tajweed is implemented when articulating each letter from its specific Makhraj (exit point). Its essential qualities, like the "whistle" of Seen or the "echo" of Qalqalah, are what give the Quran its unique sound. Without these, the recitation becomes flat and potentially incorrect.
Etiquette of the Reciter
To truly beautify the recitation, one must have inner and outer manners:
- Cleanliness: Make wudhu and ensure that your body and clothing are clean to honor the words.
- Posture: Face the Qibla and sit with respect.
- Opening: Begin with At-ta’awwuz and Al-Basmalah to set the spiritual tone.
- Reverence: Never place yourself higher than the Holy Quran physically or metaphorically.
- Silence: Talking while reading creates distraction; silence is required to maintain the flow.
- Precision: To pronounce each word correctly, each letter must be given its proper respect.
- Closing: End with supplication and affirmation of Allah's truth.
Theoretical vs. Practical
- Scientific Tajweed: This is the academic study of rules (like Idgham, Iqlab). It is a collective obligation (Fard Kifayah) meant for scholars and teachers.
- Practical Tajweed: This is the act of reciting correctly. It entails following the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) phonetic principles. Every Muslim must complete this religious duty. Our online Quran reading classes focus heavily on this practical aspect to ensure you sound fluent and correct.
The Speeds of Beauty
- At-Tahqîq: Slow recitation without elongation, perfect for teaching and correcting Makharij.
- Al-Hadr: Quick recitation used for Hifz review, similar to normal speech speed but maintaining all rules.
- At-Tadweer: A moderate pace, balancing speed and contemplation.
Avoid These Errors
Common mistakes that ruin the beauty of recitation include:
- Improper Starts/Stops: Starting on a word that disconnects the meaning or stopping in the middle of a phrase.
- Vowel Timing: Stretching a Fatha until it sounds like an Alif, which adds letters to the Quran that aren't there.
- Letter Confusion: Confusing Ha (ح) with Ha (ه), or Sad (ص) with Seen (س). These distinct sounds are unique to Arabic and must be mastered.
Don't let your recitation be devoid of beauty. Enroll in our online Quran course for Kids and adults today to improve your Tajweed with a qualified Quran teacher.
