Tajweed rules, known as Ahkam al-Tajweed, are the guidelines for perfecting the recitation of the Quran, focusing on proper pronunciation, pauses, and elongations. Key rules include Waqf (stopping) and Ibtida (starting), which dictate where to pause and resume recitation. Harakat manage vowel sounds and elongations, while Hamzat al-Wasl covers the pronunciation of connecting Hamza.
The letter “Raa” has specific rules for emphasis (tafkhim) and softening (tarqiq). Additional rules like Iqlab, Ikhfaa, and Idgham address sound transformations and assimilations to ensure accurate and clear recitation.
In this article, we will talk about some basic Tajweed rules that you must know in order to have the correct pronunciation of the Qura’nic words and improve your recitation skills.
Let’s discover them together:
What is Tajweed?
“Tajweed” in the Arabic language means improvement and excellence. And it is a science that looks into how to pronounce the words of the Holy Quran correctly as well as everything related to it. Such as Waqf and Ibtidaa (Stopping And starting), or Wasl and Qat’ (Connecting and cutting) which divides Tajweed into 2 basic parts. The first part is the theoretical Tajweed which is about the rulings’ intellectual aspects that’s if enough Muslims fulfill it, it falls from the rest because it is a sufficient duty. And the second part is the practical Tajweed which looks into the correct reading of the holy Quran, and it is a must for all Muslims to learn and fulfill.
What Is the Meaning of Tajweed Rules
Tajweed rules or Ahkam al-Tajweed are the guidelines that a Quran reader must adhere to when reciting the Quran, in accordance with what Muslims have received from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Tajweed means improvement and perfection.
Therefore, the rules of Tajweed focus on enhancing and perfecting the recitation of the Quran. The primary benefit of Tajweed rules is to improve the pronunciation of the Quranic words and to elucidate the rules of recitation so that both the reader and listener can understand the meanings of the Quran correctly.
Tajweed rules guide accurate Quranic recitation, focusing on pronunciation, pauses, and elongations. Tajweed rules such as: Waqf (stopping) dictates where to pause in recitation, with types including compulsory stops due to incidental causes and optional stops based on meaning. Ibtida (starting) governs where to resume recitation after a pause, ensuring the start aligns with intended meanings.
Also Harakat refers to the timing of vowel sounds and elongations, with madd extending sounds based on context and ghunnah representing nasal sounds of specific letters. Hamzat al-Wasl involves pronunciation rules for starting words with a connecting Hamza.
Also the Rules for the letter “Raa” include emphasis (tafkhim) and softening (tarqiq) based on diacritical marks and contexts. Iqlab is the transformation of “nun” into “meem” before “ba,” while ikhfaa involves partial pronunciation between clear articulation and assimilation. Idgham merges sounds in specific contexts, distinguishing between complete, incomplete, and lip idgham.
Also Makharej Al-Huroof details articulation points of letters, and Sefat Al-Huroof describes their characteristics for accurate pronunciation and distinction.
Importance of Learning Tajweed Rules
Tajweed rules aim to improve the pronunciation of Arabic letters and words, all of which are derived from the Prophet recitation of the Quran. Scholars have summarized them into specific rules, which are generally included in ten chapters. Each rule has its definition and context in the Quran, and no Surah (chapter) of the Quran is devoid of Tajweed rules. Some Surahs may encompass most of these rules, such as Surah At-Tahrim (سورة التحريم) and Surah Al-Mulk (سورة الملك).
وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ جُمْلَةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ ۖ وَرَتَّلْنَـٰهُ تَرْتِيلًۭا
And those who disbelieve say, “Why was the Qur’an not revealed to him all at once?” Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly”
— Surah Al Forqan Ayah (32)
Can I recite the Quran without Tajweed?
It is preferable to recite the Holy Quran with Tajweed. Tajweed is very important in order to have a clear and correct Quran recitation.
Types of Tajweed Rules
The rules of Tajweed are numerous and intricate. In this article, we will briefly and succinctly explain some of them, God willing. Some rules focus on the letters, their pronunciation, and articulation points, while others pertain to the rules of recitation. There are also specific rules for certain letters, such as the rules of elongation (Madd) and the rules of the silent Nun (Nūn Sākinah) and Tanween.
Waqf and Ibtida (الوقف والابتداء)
The rules of stopping (Waqf) and starting (Ibtida) in the Tajweed of the Quran are guidelines that regulate where a reader begins their recitation and where they stop, without disrupting the meaning and essence of the verses. We will explain the meanings of these rules in detail:
Al-Waqf (Stopping – الوقف):
In Arabic Linguistically, it means to refrain and to withhold. It refers to cutting off the sound and pausing at the end of a word for a time in which the reader can usually take a breath, with the intention to resume reading.
Al-Waqf can be divided into two types:
Compulsory Stop (Waqf Idtirari):
when the reader stops involuntarily due to an incidental cause, such as sneezing, shortness of breath, coughing, or forgetting, among other reasons.
Optional Stop (Waqf Ikhtiyari):
This is when the reader stops by choice and will. It is further divided into two categories:
Permissible Optional Stop:
This is the stop at a point where the meaning is complete. It is further divided into:
Prohibited Optional Stop (Impermissible or Ugly Stop):
This is the stop at a point where the meaning is incomplete.
Waqf Taam (Perfect Waqf/وقف تام)
It is usually at the end of a verse when the meaning is fully developed and complete. The reader stops reading and take a breath before continuing.
Al Waqf Al Hassan (الوقف الحسن)
And this type is when the reader stops on an exceptional statement, without any exception. it can be at the end, or the middle of the verses. And it usually relates in meaning to what follows it which allows the reader to stop on it but not to continue.
Al Waqf Al Qabeeh (الوقف القبيح)
This is when it’s not preferable to stop or start with what follows it because it may cause a difference in meaning as well as an inappropriate inference or behavior toward Allah Almighty. For example, stopping after the word “يغفر” in the following Ayah :- ( إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ ۚ)
Al-Ibtida (Starting – الابتداء):
Linguistically, it means to commence something. Terminologically, it refers to starting the recitation after a stop or a break.
Note: Starting the recitation (Ibtida) is always by choice, unlike stopping (Waqf). Hence, the reader must choose a starting point that is independent and not connected in meaning to what precedes it, clearly conveying the intended meaning of Allah, the Exalted.
Types of Ibtida:
Good Starting (Ibtida Hasan):
This is starting with independent speech that is not related in meaning to what precedes it and clarifies the meaning intended by Allah, the Exalted, without contradicting it.
Bad Starting (Ibtida Qabeeh):
This is starting with speech that corrupts the meaning or suggests a meaning different from what Allah, the Exalted, intended. This type is impermissible.
Harakat in Tajweed (الحركات في التجويد)
In the science of Tajweed, the meaning of “harakah” (movement) varies depending on the context. When the term “harakah” is used as a measure, it refers to the unit of time for pronouncing a letter.
Harakahs are used to regulate the pronunciation of certain rules such as elongations (madd) and nasal sounds (ghunnah).
A harakah is equivalent to half an alif maddiyyah (a prolonged alif). This means two harakahs equal one full alif. Therefore, if you are instructed to extend a sound by one alif, which is the same as two harakat(حركتين), you must prolong it for the duration it takes to pronounce two short vowels. For example, this is equivalent to pronouncing (قَ قَ) or (ضُ رَ) from the word (ضرب).
Hamzat Al-Wasl in Tajweed (همزة الوصل)
Hamzat al-Wasl (the connecting Hamza) is an extra Hamza that occurs at the beginning of a word. It is pronounced when starting the word but is omitted when connecting the speech.
If the word begins with a consonant, Hamzat al-Wasl is necessary to enable the pronunciation of the initial consonant. This applies only when starting the word since starting with a consonant is not allowed, as previously explained.
However, in the case of connection, Hamzat al-Wasl is dropped and not pronounced because the preceding letter will be vowelized. Hamzat al-Wasl appears in nouns, verbs, and particles.
Hamzat al-Wasl is named as such because it connects to the pronunciation of the consonant that follows it when starting the word. There are two basic conditions for pronouncing Hamzat al-Wasl:
1. Hamzat al-Wasl in Nouns:
Hamzat al-Wasl in a noun either comes with a noun defined by “Al” (the definite article) or an indefinite noun not defined by it. Below are the cases and rules for each:
Hamzat al-Wasl in the definite noun (with “Al” the definite article):
Hamzat al-Wasl is always pronounced with a Fatha in the definite noun, as in the verse:
“الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ” (Al-Fatihah 1:2)
(“Al hamdulillahi rabi al-alamin.”)
Hamzat al-Wasl in the indefinite noun (without “Al” the definite article):
Hamzat al-Wasl is obligatorily pronounced with a Kasra in the indefinite noun and appears in measured nouns on the pattern of Istif’al and Ifti’al, and in seven specific nouns in the Quran:
1. Ibn (son):
“عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ” (Maryam 19:34)
(“Essa ibn maryem.”)
2. Ibnah (daughter):
“ابْنَتَ عِمْرَانَ” (At-Tahrim 66:12)
(“Ibnata imran.”)
3. Imru’ (person):
“لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مِنْهُمْ” (An-Nur 24:11)
(“Lekul imre’en menhum.”)
4. Ithnayn (two):
“لَا تَتَّخِذُوا إِلَهَيْنِ اثْنَيْنِ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ” (An-Nahl 16:51)
(“La tattakhidu ilahayn ithnayn…”)
5. Imra’ah (woman):
“امْرَأَتَ عِمْرَانَ” (Aal Imran 3:35)
(“Imra’at imran.”)
6. Ism (name):
“اسْمُ رَبِّكَ” (Al-Alaq 96:1)
(“Ism rabik.”)
7. Ithnata ashrata (twelve):
“اثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ” (Al-Araf 7:160)
(“twelve.”)
2. Hamzat al-Wasl in Verbs:
Hamzat al-Wasl in a verb is vowelized according to the vowel of the third letter of the verb. If the third letter is vowelized with a Kasra or a Fatha, Hamzat al-Wasl begins with a Kasra, as in the verse:
“اضْرِب بِعَصَاكَ” (Ash-Shuara 26:63)
(“Idrib bi asak.”)
“اذْهَبُوا فَتَحَسَّسُوا” (Yusuf 12:87)
(“Idhhabu fatahassasou.”)
If the third letter of the verb is originally or temporarily vowelized with a Dhamma, Hamzat al-Wasl begins with a Dhamma.
The Difference between Hamzat al-Wasl and Hamzat al-Qat’ (the cutting Hamza):
Several differences distinguish Hamzat al-Wasl from Hamzat al-Qat’:
– Hamzat al-Qat’ can be vowelized or non-vowelized, whereas Hamzat al-Wasl is always vowelized.
– Hamzat al-Qat’ is established in both connected and paused states, while Hamzat al-Wasl is only established when starting.
– Hamzat al-Qat’ can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a word, whereas Hamzat al-Wasl only appears at the beginning of a word.
The Rules of Raa in Tajweed (أحكام الراء)
The rules for the pronunciation of the letter “ر” (Ra) in Tajweed when it appears in the middle, beginning, or end of a word and has any of the three diacritical marks (Fatha, Kasra, Damma) or is in a sukun state, fall into three categories:
Tafkhim (Emphasis) (تفخيم)
Tarqiq (Softening) (ترقيق)
Both Tafkhim and Tarqiq allowed (يجوز فيها التفخيم والترقيق)
Tafkhim (Emphasis – تفخيم)
The letter “ر” is emphasized in the following cases:
– When it has a Fatha, e.g., (رَبَّنا – “Our Lord”).
– When it has a Damma, e.g., (تُنْظَرُونَ – “You are being watched”).
– When it is in sukun after a Fatha, e.g., (قَرْية – “Village”).
– When it is in sukun after a Damma, e.g., (مُرْسَل – “Sent”).
– When it is in sukun after an accidental Kasra, e.g., (اِرْجعي – “Return”).
– When it is in sukun after an original Kasra and followed by a letter of Ist’ila (emphasis), e.g., (قِرْطاس – “Scroll”), (بِالْمِرصاد – “In ambush”), (فِرْقة – “Group”).
– When it is in sukun due to a stop after a letter with sukun other than a soft Ya, preceded by a Damma, e.g., (خُسْرٍ – “Loss”).
– When it is in sukun due to a stop after a letter with sukun other than a soft Ya, preceded by a Fatha, e.g., (شَهْرْ – “Month”), (وَالْعَصْرِ – “The Era”).
– When it is in sukun after a separate Kasra, whether the Kasra is original, e.g., (رَبِّ ارْحمهما – “My Lord, have mercy on them”), or accidental, e.g., (أمِ ارْتابوا – “Have they doubted?”).
Tarqiq (Softening – ترقيق):
The letter “ر” is softened in the following cases:
– When it has a Kasra, e.g., (رِزْق – “Provision”).
– When it is in sukun after an original Kasra and not followed by a letter of Ist’ila, e.g., (فِرْدوس – “Paradise”), (فاصبِرْ – “So be patient”).
– When it is in sukun due to a stop and preceded by a Ya of elongation or a soft Ya, e.g., (ظَهِيْرْ – “Helper”), (خَيْرْ – “Good”).
– When it is in sukun due to a stop and preceded by a letter with sukun that is a lowered letter, with the letter before it having a Kasra, e.g., (الشِّعْرْ – “Poetry”).
– The raa that is pronounced as an Imaala (tilting) and only occurs in one place: (مجرىها – “Its course”).
Cases in Which Tafkhim (Thickening) or Tarqiq (Lightening) is Permissible:
occurs only in the case of a stop on six words in 17 instances, as follows:
– (أن أسْر) in Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:52) and Surah Taha (20:77), with tarqiq being more likely.
– (فأسْر) in Surah Hud (11:81), Surah Al-Hijr (15:65), and Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:23), with tarqiq being more likely.
– (ونُذُرِ) where the Ra is vowelized with a Kasra, and the final Ya is omitted for ease. This occurs in six places in Surah Al-Qamar (54:16, 18, 21, 30, 37, 39). Some scholars prefer tarqiq, while others prefer tafkhim; both opinions are valid.
– (يسر) in the verse {والليل إذا يسرِ} (Al-Fajr 89:4), with tarqiq being more likely.
– (القطر) in the verse {وأسلنا له عين القطر} (Saba’ 34:12), with tarqiq being more likely due to the context of the connection.
– (مصر) in the genitive case: in Surah Yusuf (12:21): {وقال الذي اشتراه من مصر}, in Surah Yunus (10:87): {أن تبوَّءا لقومكما بمصر بيوتاً}, and in Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:51): {قال يا قوم أليس لي ملك مصر}.
– (مصر) in the accusative case: in Surah Yusuf (12:99): {ادخلوا مصرَ إن شاء الله آمنين}, with tafkhim being more likely due to the barrier – the letter “ص” – between the Kasra and the Ra, and because it is emphasized when connected.
Iqlap Rules in Tajweed (الإقلاب)
Iqlab means transforming something from its original form. In the science of Tajweed, Iqlab involves substituting one letter for another. Specifically, it refers to changing a non-vowelized “nun” (ن) or the nunation (tanween) into a clear “meem” (م) sound before the letter “ba” (ب) while retaining the nasalization (ghunnah) and concealment (ikhfa).
When the letter “ba” follows a non-vowelized “nun” within the same word, or when one word ends with a non-vowelized “nun” and the next word starts with “ba,” or when tanween occurs between two words, the non-vowelized “nun” must be converted into a “meem.”
To achieve Iqlab, three actions are performed:
- The non-vowelized “nun” or tanween is changed into a “meem” sound.
- The “meem” is concealed when pronounced with the letter “ba.”
- The concealed “meem” is accompanied by a nasalization (ghunnah).
- The symbol of Iqlab in the Quran is a small “meem” above the non-vowelized “nun” as in: أَنْبِئْهُمْ (Al-Baqarah: 33)
Ghunnah Rules in Tajweed (أحكام الغنة)
Ghunnah is a nasal sound that emanates from the nasal passage and is inherent in the letters “nun” (ن) and “meem” (م). The duration of the ghunnah is always two counts, regardless of its context. The ghunnah always originates from the nasal passage, which is described as the nasal cavity leading to the mouth. The length of the ghunnah is measured in counts, and it has multiple levels of intensity.
levels of ghunnah:
ranked from the strongest to the weakest, are as follows:
The Highest Level (Mushaddad):
In a single word: This type occurs in the stressed “nun” (ن) and “meem” (م), such as: “إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ” (Indeed, the Muslims) [Al-Qasas: 52], “هَمَّتْ بِهِ” (She desired him) [Yusuf: 25].
The Second Level (Incomplete Assimilation):
Assimilation of a non-vowelized “nun” or tanween into “waw” or “yaa,” such as: “وَمَن يَعْمَلْ” (and whoever does) [An-Nisa: 124], “مِن وَرَائِهِمْ” (behind them) [Al-Jathiya: 33].
The Third Level (Concealed):
True concealment: Concealing the non-vowelized “nun” or tanween before the 15 concealment letters (ص-ذ-ث-ك-ج-ش-ق-س-د-ط-ز-ف-ت-ض-ظ), such as: “مَاء ثَجَّاجاً” (abundant water) [An-Naba: 14], “عَن صَلَاتِهِمْ” (from their prayer) [Al-Ma’arij: 23].
The Fourth Level (Clear Non-Vowelized):
Throat clarity: Clearly pronouncing the non-vowelized “nun” or tanween from their place of articulation when followed by one of the six throat letters (الهمزة والهاء والعين والحاء والغين والخاء), either in a single word such as: “أَنْعَمَ” (bestowed) [Al-Fatiha: 7], “وَانْحَرْ” (sacrifice) [Al-Kawthar: 2], or across two words such as: “مِنْ هَادٍ” (from a guide) [Al-Hadid: 13].
The Fifth Level (Light Movements):
When the non-vowelized “nun” and “meem” are lightly pronounced, such as: “نُودِيَ” (was called) [Taha: 11].
Ikhfaa Rules in Tajweed (الإخفاء)
Ikhfaa is the pronunciation of a non-vowelized letter with a nasal sound (ghunnah) that falls between a clear pronunciation (izhar) and assimilation (idgham).
The letter retains its ghunnah, which lasts for two counts. Ikhfaa is a rule in the recitation of the Quran that applies to non-vowelized “nun” (ن) and tanween. Ikhfaa is characterized by a sound that is neither fully articulated nor fully assimilated, maintaining the nasal quality of the first letter.
The fifteen letters of ikhfaa are: ص، ذ، ث، ج، ش، ق، س، د، ط، ز، ف، ت، ض، ظ.
When a reciter encounters a non-vowelized “nun” or tanween followed by any of these letters, they should apply the ikhfaa rule. This involves pronouncing the non-vowelized “nun” or tanween with a sound that is between clear articulation and assimilation, along with a two-count nasal sound (ghunnah) without any stress.
Types of Ikhfaa:
1. True Ikhfaa (Ikhfaa Haqiqi):
Examples include:
“يَنْصُرْكُمُ” (He will help you) [Al-Imran: 160]
“مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي” (Who is that) [Al-Baqara: 245]
“خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ” (A new creation) [Qaf: 15]
2. Lip Concealment (Ikhfaa Shafawi):
Ikhfa Shafawi occurs when a non-vowelized “meem” (م) is followed by a “ba” (ب). It’s called lip concealment because both “meem” and “ba” are articulated with the lips. During lip concealment, the lips are closed without leaving any gap.
Examples include:
“تَرْمِيهِمْ بِحِجارَةٍ” (Striking them with stones) [Al-Fil: 4]
“بَلْ أَنْتُمْ بِهَدِيَّتِكُمْ” (But you, with your gift) [An-Naml: 36]
Idghaam Rules in Tajweed (الإدغام)
Idgham is a rule in the recitation of the Quran that refers to merging a non-vowelized letter with another letter, resulting in a stressed pronunciation.
Idgham in Arabic Language: Inserting one thing into another.
Idgham in Tajweed: When a non-vowelized “nun” or tanween meets one of the letters “meem, nun, waw, ya, ra, lam” , they merge into a single stressed letter. This can occur within a single word or across two words.
Types of Idghaam by Ghunnah Presence:
Idghaam with Ghunnah:
Appears when a non-vowelized “nun” or tanween is followed by the letters “ya, nun, meem, waw” (grouped in “yanmu”).
Examples:
“وَمَن يَعْمَلْ” (And whoever does) [An-Nisa: 124]
“آياتٍ مُّبَيِّنَاتٍ” (Clear signs) [Al-Hajj: 16]
Idghaam without Ghunnah:
Idgham without Ghunnah occurs when the letters “lam” or “ra” follow a non-vowelized “nun” or tanween. These letters merge without a nasal sound.
Examples:
“مِّن لَّبَنٍ” (Of milk) [Al-Nahl: 66]
“غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا” (Forgiving, Merciful) [Al-Baqara: 173]
Types of Idgham by Completeness:
Complete Idgham (إدغام كامل):
This involves fully merging the non-vowelized “nun” or tanween with the letters “lam, ra, meem, nun,” leaving no trace of the original sound.
Examples:
“مِن لَّدُنَّا” (From Us) [Al-Kahf: 65]
Incomplete Idgham (إدغام ناقص):
This involves a partial merging, leaving a trace of the original sound, with the letters “ya” and “waw.”
Examples:
“خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ” (Better for you) [Al-Baqarah: 184]
Lip Idgham (Idgham Shafawi):
This is a rule applying to non-vowelized “meem,” where it merges with a following “meem” with a nasal sound. It is also known as the assimilation of similar letters.
Example:
“لَكُمْ مَا” (For you what) [Al-Nisa: 3]
Tajweed Madd Rules
Elongation (Madd) is the extension of sound with a letter of elongation (Madd) or one of the letters of softness (Leen).
Letters of Madd:
-The silent “Alif” preceded by a “Fatha”
-The silent “Yaa” preceded by a “Kasra”
-The silent “Waw” preceded by a “Dhamma”
Letters of Leen:
– The silent “Waw” following a “Fatha” as in “خوف” (khawf – fear)
– The silent “Yaa” following a “Fatha” as in “صيف” (saif – summer)
Types of Madd:
Madd is divided into two categories: Original Madd (also known as Natural Madd) and Secondary Madd.
1. Original Madd (مد أصلي):
Original Madd where the existence of the letter itself depends on it and there is no external reason for its extension. It can also be defined as the Madd that is not followed by a Hamza or Sukoon, and its length is two Harakaat.
It is called Natural Mad(مد طبيعي) because a person with a natural disposition extends it by two Harakaat, no more and no less. It is also called Original Madd because it is the foundation of all Madds and because the letter of Madd is not distinguished from the movement except by it.
Some have estimated the two Harakaat duration by the time it takes to pronounce two consecutive letters “قَ قَ”.
Original Madd can be divided into several categories:
a. Natural Madd that remains the same whether stopping or continuing.
b. Natural Madd that is consistent in stopping but not in continuing.
c. Natural Madd that is consistent in continuing but not in stopping.
d. Natural Madd in the spelling of the openings of some surahs.
2. Secondary Madd (مد فرعي):
Secondary Madd depends on an external reason for its extension, and the existence of the letters is independent of it.
Secondary Madd is divided into two categories:
a. Secondary Madd due to a Hamza. It is of three types:
– Mandatory Connected Madd (Madd Wajeb Muttasil)
– Permissible Disconnected Madd (Madd jaiz munfasil)
b. Secondary Madd due to Sukoon. It is of two types:
– Mandatory Madd (where the Sukoon is original, fixed, and unchanging)
– Contingent Madd due to Sukoon (where the Sukoon is contingent, meaning it is fixed when stopping and disappears when continuing)
Makharej Al-Huroof In Tajweed (مخارج الحروف)
The Articulation Points of Letters (Makharij al-Huruf) are a central topic in the science of Tajweed. It is an important study that refines the tongue and prevents mistakes. Learning it fulfills Allah’s command and allows one to recite the Quran in a measured and melodious manner.
The articulation point of a letter is the place from which the letter emerges and where the sound of its pronunciation ends. This place distinguishes one articulation point from another. For instance, the letter “Baa” emerges from between the lips, and this location is called the letter’s articulation point.
There are five general articulation points, which can be divided into seventeen specific points. These are: the tongue, the lips, the nasal passage, the oral cavity, and the throat. Each of these five general points has one or more specific points for one or more letters of the Arabic alphabet.
How to Identify the Precise Articulation Point of a Letter:
A letter is pronounced as silent or stressed by inserting a Hamzat al-Wasl (a linking Hamza) before it. The point where the sound ends is the articulation point of the letter. For example, the articulation point of the letter “Ain” is identified by placing a Hamza before it and pronouncing the letter as silent or stressed.
Sefat Al-Huroof (صفات الحروف)
In Arabic language, a characteristic is a term that indicates a meaning in its described object. In the science of Tajweed, it refers to the state that a letter is in when it is pronounced.
Importance of Knowing the Characteristics of Letters:
1. By understanding the characteristics, one can distinguish between letters that share the same articulation point.
2. Knowing the characteristics improves the pronunciation and articulation of letters that have different articulation points.
3. Through understanding the characteristics, one can identify strong letters from weak ones, which helps in understanding which letters can be merged into others (Idgham).
These principles are essential for proper recitation and maintaining the integrity of the Quranic pronunciation.
Advanced Tajweed Rules With Examples
The rules of Tajweed have general, simple guidelines as well as more advanced, precise, and specialized rules. Such as the Alphabetic Letter Relationships categorize letters into identical, homogeneous, close, and distant based on their articulation and characteristics, influencing pronunciation.
Also The Iltiqa’ Sakinain (meeting of two silent letters) addresses the avoidance of consecutive silent letters, with specific rules for handling these in words or between words.
Also Types of Alif in the Quran include: Alif with a Small Circle Above (written but not pronounced), Madd Alif (retained with vowels, omitted with silent letters), Alif in Definite and Indefinite Nouns (written as Yaa and affects Tanween), and Dagger Alif (omitted in writing but pronounced and extended). These rules enhance the accuracy and beauty of Quranic recitation.
Lahn (Mistake) When Reciting The Quran
One of the most crucial things for a Quran reader to be aware of and knowledgeable about is both Lahn Al-Jail and Al-khafi.
Lahn Al-Jail (Obvious mistake)
It is making an obvious mistake, which can be heard clearly. Like switching a letter with another or ignoring one of the basic Tajweed rules such as Idgham and Iqlab
Lahn Al-khafi
And this is one of the most important and basic Tajweed rules that the reader must take into account to avoid mistakes and have a correct Quran recitation. Lahn Khafi is a hidden mistake that’s not noticeable but by the specialists of this science. And scholars differed on if it’s haram or not.
Quran Reading Rules and Manner
The rules of recitation and reading the Quran are numerous. These include the rules of Basmala (saying “Bismillah”) and Isti’atha (seeking refuge with Allah), as well as the etiquette of reciting the Quran. These are the guidelines that Muslims should follow before and during the recitation of the Quran, such as:
1.Sincerity in Intention for Allah Alone, Avoiding Ostentation and Seeking Reputation.
2. Purity from Both Minor and Major Impurities (Taharah).
3. Cleanliness of Place, Body, and Clothes.
4. Cleaning the Mouth with Miswak
5. Facing the Qibla is Preferred, but Recitation is Permissible While Walking, Lying Down, or Standing.
6. Seeking Refuge from the Accursed Satan
Allah says:
“فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ” (An-Nahl 16:98)
“So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed.”
7. Reading with Humility and Stillness, While Being Mindful of the Greatness of Whose Words You Are Reading.
Allah says:
“لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ عَلَى جَبَلٍ لَّرَأَيْتَهُ خَاشِعاً مُّتَصَدِّعاً مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ”(Al-Hashr 59:21)”If We had sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and split apart in fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.”
Learn Ahkam Al-Tajweed
The Science of Tajweed is one of the sciences that make your recitation of the Quran more beautiful and precise. It ensures that the words come out of your mouth pronounced correctly. You can learn Tajweed by reading well-known and famous Tajweed books written by Muslim scholars.
Additionally, you can follow famous reciters who read the Quran correctly or go to a teacher to read what you have learned and understand the rules that you might not fully grasp on your own.
Learn the Tajweed Rules Online
The science of Tajweed is a science that every Muslim should care about and learn regardless of their age or occupation. It is a science that brings great reward and merit from Allah, the Almighty. Now, you can learn Tajweed anytime and anywhere.
With professional teachers, you can enroll in Tajweed lessons at Sheikhi Academy, memorize the Quran, and receive and apply Tajweed rules with skilled and proficient teachers to become proficient in reading the Book of Allah, the Almighty.
We ask Allah, the Almighty, to grant us and you beneficial knowledge and great reward and that our recitation of the Quran will be a path for us to Paradise, God willing.
How to Learn The Basic Tajweed Rules with Us?
Shaykhi Academy is the best online academy for teaching the basic Tajweed rules to both kids and adults. We provide you with teachers specialized in teaching the Quran online and its sciences.
If you want to join us, here are our simple steps:-
Fill Out The Registration Form
Filling out the registration form will allow us to know your name, age, gender, and other more details. If you’re ready, click here.
Attend Our Trial Class
We at Shaykhi Academy offer you a free trial class so you can experience our actual classes before deciding whether or not to subscribe.
Choose Your Plan
Once you’ve decided to subscribe, it’s time to choose the plan that best suits your needs and fits into your schedule.
Subscribe
And finally, subscribe and become a member of our family! click here.
Tajweed Rules Summary
Tajweed Rules are numerous and highly intricate Tajweed rules. Those who wish to learn them should follow a clear and gradual scientific method. Tajweed cares about everything related to the recitation of the Quran and the pronunciation of its words and letters.
Therefore, its rules are comprehensive, covering:
Rules of Noon Saakinah and Tanween
Rules of stopping and starting, which concern the stopping points in the Quran and the starting points of recitation so that no one cuts off any meaning.
Rules of Idgham, Iqlab, and Ghunna, their letters, and duration
Articulation points of letters and the characteristics of letters
Each rule has categories that fall under it and stem from it. Scholars have arranged them in numerous books, authoring extensive and comprehensive works, and have simplified some rules for beginners so that people can gradually learn Tajweed, becoming accustomed to correct pronunciation and rules in a simple, gradual manner to make it easier for them to grasp this noble science. We ask Allah to benefit us with the Quran in this world and the Hereafter.
