Tajweed rules of the Quran Have a significant rule, The term “Tajweed” literally means “correct pronunciation” or “doing something well.”
In the context of the Quran, it refers to the set of rules and guidelines for accurate pronunciation and recitation of the Arabic text.
Essentially, Tajweed involves ensuring that every letter in the Quran is pronounced correctly, with attention to its specific characteristics and articulation points.
To learn all about Tajweed rules of the Quran read this article.
What is Tajweed
Tajweed refers to the proper and precise way of reciting the Quran. It outlines the rules for pronouncing Arabic letters correctly, identifying where to pause, stop, or continue during recitation, and when to elongate certain sounds.
Tajweed is crucial not only for accurate pronunciation but also for understanding the meanings of the verses. Reciting the Quran with Tajweed enhances both the clarity and the beauty of the recitation, allowing it to resonate melodically and spiritually.
Importance of Tajweed
Tajweed (تَجْوِيد) is an Arabic term meaning “enhancement” or “beautification.” It refers to the Islamic art of reciting the Holy Qur’an with precision and beauty. In practice, Tajweed means pronouncing each letter from its correct articulation point and giving it its due qualities and characteristics.
Tajweed plays a vital role in Quranic recitation for several reasons:
- Preservation of Meaning:
Learning Tajweed ensures that the meanings of words are accurately conveyed. Mispronunciations or incorrect elongations can lead to misunderstandings or changes in meaning. - Enhancement of Recitation:
Tajweed beautifies the recitation, making it more melodious and pleasing to listen to. A well-recited Quran captivates both the reciter and the listeners. - Obedience to Divine Instruction:
Allah commands believers to recite the Quran properly. Learning Tajweed is a form of obedience and respect towards His words. - Spiritual Connection:
Mastering Tajweed deepens the reciter’s connection with the Quran, allowing for a more meaningful and reflective recitation. - Reward from Allah:
According to Hadith, those who recite the Quran beautifully and correctly are rewarded immensely. Even those who struggle with recitation are granted special rewards for their efforts. - Community and Tradition:
Tajweed connects individuals to the broader Muslim community, preserving a shared tradition of Quranic recitation that has been passed down through generations.
Overall, Tajweed is essential for maintaining the integrity, beauty, and spiritual significance of Quranic recitation.
Tajweed Rules With Example
Tajweed rules of the Quran are numerous, here you the important rules:
Noon Sakinah and Tanween
This Tajweed rule pertains to vowels and letters that produce the ‘nnn’ sound, such as:
Noon Sakinah (نْ): The letter “noon” with sukoon, creating a nasal “nnn” sound.
Letters with Tanween (تنوين): A double vowel that adds the noon sound to the applied letter, such as:
- جًا (jan): With fatḥatain, producing the “jan” sound.
- جٍ (jin): With kasratain, producing the “jin” sound.
- جٌ (joon): With ḍammatain, producing the “joon” sound.
Examples:
Nun Sakinah:
وَالأَنْعَامُ
أَنْعَمَ
عَنْ
Tanween:
عَلِيمٌ
عَلِيمًا
عَلِيمٍ
There are four important rules for Noon Sakinah:
To properly recite Nun Sakinah and Tanween, it is essential to understand the rules of Idhaar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfaa.
- Izhaar
Izhaar means “clarity” and occurs when the letters
[ء ه ع ح غ خ]
follow Noon Sakinah or Tanween, ensuring that the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is pronounced clearly and distinctly, adding beauty to the recitation.
Examples:
مَنْ آمَنَ
يَنْحِتُونَ
عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ
- Idghaam
Idghaam, meaning “merging,” involves blending certain Arabic letters when they follow Noon Sakinah or Tanween. If the letters Noon, Meem, Yaa, Waaw, Raa, or Lam follow, the sound of Noon Sakinah or Tanween merges with the next letter. Idghaam can be with or without Ghunnah, depending on the letters.
Idghaam Letters:
[ي , ر , م , ل , و , ن]
These letters form the word: يَرْمَلُون (Yarmaloon)
Note: Idghaam occurs only when these letters appear across two words.
Types of Idghaam:
- Idghaam with Ghunna:
This type includes four letters:
[ي, ن, م, و],
forming the word: (يَنْمُو) (Yanmu).
Examples:
من مّاء
من نّصيب
Idghaam without Ghunna:
This type includes two letters:
[ل and ر]
When either of these letters follows Noon Sakinah or Tanween, it is pronounced without Ghunna.
Examples:
من رّزق
من لّدنه
- Iqlab
Iqlab, meaning “conversion,” occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by a Ba (ب). The sound of Noon or Tanween changes to a Meem, adding subtlety to the recitation.
Examples:
زوجٍ بــَهيـج
سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا
- Ikhfaa
Ikhfaa, meaning “concealment,” happens when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of 16 specific Arabic letters. The sound is partially hidden, neither fully pronounced nor silent.
This was the first rule of tajweed rules of the Quran.
Examples:
وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنْصارِ
Mim Sakinah Rules
Mim Sakinah refers to a specific condition in Arabic pronunciation where the letter Meem (م) is in a state of sukoon (سَاكِنَة), meaning there is a complete cessation of sound. This can happen either at the end of a word or within a word when Meem is followed by another letter.
Mim As-Sakinah has three rules:
- Al-Ikhfaa’ As-Shafawi (الإِخْفَاء الشَّفَوِي)
Letter: Baa (ب).
Rule: When Baa follows Mim As-Sakinah (where Mim is at the end of one word and Baa is at the beginning of the next), Al-Ikhfaa’ As-Shafawi with Ghunna occurs. The sound resembles that of Iqlaab in Nun As-Sakinah, but here, a slight gap should be left between the lips.
Examples of Ikhfaa’ As-Shafawi:
“كُنتُم بِهِ”, “يَأْتِيكُم بِمَاءٍ”
- Al-Idghaam Al-Mithlayn (الإِدْغَام المِثْلَين)
Letter: Meem (م).
Rule: When Mim As-Sakinah (at the end of one word) meets a Meem Mutaharrik (at the beginning of the next word), it is pronounced with Idghaam and Ghunna.
Examples of Idghaam Al-Mithlayn:
“إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَيْبِ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ”
(الملك 12)
- Al-Ith’har As-Shafawi (الإِظْهَار الشَّفَوِي)
Letters: All letters except Baa (from Ikhfaa’ As-Shafawi) and Meem (from Idghaam Al-Mithlayn), totaling 26 letters.
Rule: When any of these 26 letters follow Mim As-Sakinah, whether in the same word or across two words, it is pronounced with Ith’har. Special attention should be given to the Meem when it is followed by the letters Waw (و) or Faa (ف) to ensure clear articulation and avoid confusion with the sound of Baa.
Example:
“سَأَلَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا، لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ”
(الملك 8)
Al-Madd
Al-Madd is a Tajweed rule involving the elongation of certain letters during Quranic recitation, crucial for maintaining the proper rhythm and melody.
Letters of Madd:
ا , و , ي
(collected in the word نُوحِيهَا)
- ا (Alif Sakinah): Occurs when there is an Alif with a Sukun and a Fatha before it.
- و (Waw Sakinah): Occurs when there is a Waw with a Sukun and a Dhamma before it.
- ي (Yaa Sakinah): Occurs when there is a Yaa with a Sukun and a Kasra before it.
Examples:
“شُهَدَآءُ” – “السٌوء” – “وَالسَّمَآءِ” – “قَآئِمَةٌ”
Qalqalah
Qalqalah involves the pronunciation of certain letters with an echoing sound when they have a Sukoon, whether in the middle or at the end of a word.
Letters of Qalqalah:
[ق , ط , ب , ج , د]
(combined in the phrase: قُطْبُ جَدٍ)
Note: If a Qalqalah letter appears at the end of a word and you stop on it, it should be pronounced with a medium echo. If the letter has a Shaddah, the echo is stronger.
Examples:
“وَإِن كُنتُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ مِّمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَى عَبْدِنَا”
(البقرة 23),
“وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاهُ مَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ”
(البقرة 102)
Tarqeeq & Tafkheem
- Tafkheem (التفخيم):
The heavy pronunciation of specific letters, filling the mouth with a resonant sound.
Heavy Letters:
Taa (الطاء), Dhaad (الضاد), Saad (الصاد), Dhaa (الظاء), Qaaf (القاف), Ghain (الغين), Khaa (الخاء)
Definition: Involves a strong, emphatic pronunciation, creating a full, pronounced sound.
Examples:
- Taa (الطاء):
“وَأَن لَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاءً غَدَقًا”
(الجن 16)
- Qaaf (القاف):
“إنَّ اللَّه عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ”
(النور 45)
- Tarqeeq (تَرْقِيق):
The light pronunciation of letters, resulting in a softer tone.
Definition: Refers to the gentle articulation of letters that are not considered heavy.
Examples:
- Seen (السين):
“رَبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا الرَّحْمَنِ”
(النبأ 37)
- Ha (الهاء):
“أَتَسْتَبْدِلُونَ الَّذِي هُوَ أَدْنَى”
(البقرة 61)
Three Letters with Variable Emphasis: Alif (ا), Lam (ل), and Ra (ر)
- Alif: Heaviness depends on the preceding letter.
- Lam: Heavy with Dumma (ُ) or Fatha (َ), light with Kasra (ِ).
- Ra: Moderate emphasis, heavier when preceded by a Fatha (َ).
Noon and Meem Mushaddad
Noon and Meem Mushaddad refer to the rules for pronouncing Noon (ن) and Meem (م) when accompanied by a Shaddah (ّ), indicating a doubled consonant sound.
Noon with Shaddah: Pronounced with an extended nasal sound, similar to the prolonged “nn” in “unnecessary”.
Example:
“إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا”
(النساء 16)
Meem with Shaddah: Pronounced with a prolonged nasal sound, similar to the extended “mm” in “hammer”.
Example:
”عَمَّ يَتَسَآءَلُونَ”
Due to the importance of Quran tajweed rules. In Sabil Al-Quran, we focus on personalized, one-on-one learning sessions tailored to individual needs in learning the Quran.
Why To Learn The Tajweed Rules Of The Quran
Tajweed emerged as a necessary set of rules after the spread of Islam, particularly when non-Arabs began to embrace the faith.
As the Arabic language became less familiar to new Muslims, distinguishing between letters and ensuring correct pronunciation became essential.
Tajweed was introduced to help both non-Arabs and Arabs recite the Quran correctly, preserving the precise pronunciation used by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Even native Arabic speakers must learn Tajweed because modern Arabic dialects differ significantly from the classical Arabic of the Quran.
Importance of Quran Tajweed rules
- Tajweed encompasses a comprehensive set of guidelines that ensure the correct pronunciation of Quranic letters, including when to emphasize or conceal sounds.
- These rules are crucial because reciting the Quran with Tajweed is not only a Sunnah but also a way to preserve the integrity of its message.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the importance of reciting the Quran beautifully and correctly, stating that those who do so will be in the company of noble angels.
- Furthermore, even those who struggle with recitation are rewarded twice, highlighting the significance of making an effort to learn and apply Tajweed.
- Reciting with Tajweed is not just about reading the Quran correctly; it also ensures that the true meaning of its verses is conveyed.
- Incorrect pronunciation can alter the meaning of words and lead to misunderstandings of the Quran’s message.
- Therefore, mastering Tajweed is essential for both proper recitation and a deeper understanding of the Quran.
Given the major importance of tajweed rules of the Quran, we at Sabil Al-Quran offer you the best course for proper Quran recitation, taught by native arab tutors, graduates of renowned Islamic universities.
How do you memorize the Tajweed Rules Of The Quran?
Learn from a Teacher
The most effective way to memorize Tajweed rules is by learning under the guidance of a qualified teacher.
Self-learning is not recommended for Tajweed or any other religious science. A qualified Tajweed teacher, someone who holds an Ijazah (a certification) and has a strong command of the Arabic language, can ensure you grasp the rules accurately.
Obtaining an Ijazah in Tajweed
An Ijazah in Tajweed is a certificate that grants you permission to narrate and teach the Quran.
To earn this honor, you must recite the entire Quran from memory with correct Tajweed. Some teachers may offer a limited Ijazah for reading from the Mushaf (Quran text).
The Ijazah connects you to a chain of certified Quran narrators, starting from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and extending to you, making it a significant achievement.
Use Diagrams and Visual Aids
Visual aids like diagrams can help you quickly and efficiently memorize Tajweed rules.
Drawing Tajweed signs and symbols while practicing recitation reinforces your learning.
Regular practice is essential to mastering Tajweed and committing the rules to memory.
Utilize Audio Recordings
Since Tajweed is about perfecting pronunciation, listening to audio recordings of Quran recitations is invaluable.
Choose a favorite Qari (reciter) and listen to their recitations regularly through downloads or streaming platforms.
This practice will improve your listening skills, help you acquire the correct accent, and reinforce your understanding of Tajweed rules.
Join Online Groups and Communities
Participating in online Tajweed groups and communities, especially those tailored for beginners, can greatly enhance your learning.
Engaging with others allows you to practice your recitation and deepen your knowledge of Tajweed in a supportive environment.
Online Tajweed Course
Learning the Quran with Tajweed online with Sabil Al-Quran offers numerous benefits:
- Accurate Pronunciation: Tajweed ensures proper pronunciation, preventing any alteration in the meaning of Quranic words.
- Arabic Grammar Mastery: Tajweed acts as the Quran’s grammar, enhancing both recitation and your grasp of Arabic.
- Strengthened Faith: Applying Tajweed during slow recitation fosters deeper reflection and elevates your faith.
- Preserving Arabic Integrity: Tajweed helps maintain the purity of Arabic texts, safeguarding them from losing their essence.
In essence, mastering Tajweed enhances Quranic recitation, deepens your Arabic understanding, and strengthens your spiritual connection.
Conclusion
This article offers a glimpse into the rules of Quran Tajweed, though it only scratches the surface of this intricate science.
Continued learning is vital, especially since listening and recitation are core methods of mastering Tajweed, much like how the Quran was originally conveyed.
One can achieve proficiency in Tajweed through consistent correction during recitation, even without memorizing every rule.
At Sabil Al-Quran, you can connect with a qualified teacher who provides personalized guidance tailored to your unique learning needs.
FAQs On The Tajweed Rules Of The Quran
What are the rules of Allah Tajweed?
Learning Tajweed rules is both an obligation for those seeking to recite the Quran correctly and a Sunnah. As Allah instructs in the Quran,
“أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا”
“And recite the Quran (aloud) in (slow and melodious) style (tarteela)”
Surah Muzzammil (73:4).
What is the Tajweed of the Quran?
Tajweed is the art of reciting the Quran with precise pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm.
Derived from the Arabic root “j-w-d,” meaning “to make better,” Tajweed is the science of enhancing Quranic recitation by adhering to specific rules of pronunciation and intonation.
Why is Tajweed so hard?
Lack of familiarity with the Arabic language makes learning Tajweed challenging for many.
Since the Quran is entirely in Arabic, which has its own complex rules, understanding and applying these rules can be difficult, especially for those without an Arabic background.