The Holy Quran is not merely a book; it is the actual speech of Almighty Allah, revealed as the perfect and unrivalled source of law and guidance for all of humanity. It contains prescriptions for every element of life and the afterlife, but its power lies in its precise wording. Every Muslim should strive to read the Holy Quran properly and clearly with Tajweed, not just as a technical exercise, but because it is extremely significant to the preservation of the message. Almighty Allah explicitly commanded: “...And recite the Quran with measured recitation.” [Al-Muzzammil: 4]. This command elevates Tajweed from a luxury to a necessity for every believer who wishes to honor the speech of their Lord.
The Command to Recite Correctly
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. And those who don’t believe it are the ones who lose.” [Al-Baqarah 121]. This verse ("Allazeena aataynaahumul-Kitaaba yatloonahoo haqqa tilaawatih...") implies that true belief is linked to true recitation. Along with the Quran’s deep and lofty teachings, it also has sublime language that, when carefully spoken with correct Tajweed guidelines, can soften people’s hearts and bring tears to their eyes. To understand and apply the laws contained in the Holy Quran during a Muslim’s daily life, one must read the Holy Quran in a leisurely and relaxed manner while keeping in mind the various tajweed rules. If one reads the Holy Quran without doing so, the meaning of words—and thus the divine command itself—may be disastrously altered.
Tajweed Definition
Linguistically, Tajweed is derived from the root of the verb Jawada, which literally means to make something better or beautiful. Technically, Tajweed is a science that examines the proper letter articulation when the Holy Quran is being recited. It is the system of giving each letter its rights and obligations. Its essential qualities (Rights) never leave the letter, such as strength or softness. The letters’ obligations (Dues) are the traits they present conditionally, such as Qalb, Ghunnah, and Madd, which are sometimes present and sometimes absent depending on the surrounding letters. Learning these nuances through online Quran classes ensures you are fulfilling the rights of the Book.
Procedures for Reciting the Holy Quran
When reciting the Quran, one should do it in the presence of their heart, fully aware that they are conversing with Allah. The Muslim should interact with each ayah according to its intended meaning. Exterior manners include:
- Purification: Make wudhu and ensure that the surroundings, your body, and your clothing are all clean.
- Orientation: Face the Qibla and sit with the utmost respect, not leaning casually.
- Beginning: Start with At-ta’awwuz (seeking refuge) and Al-Basmalah (In the name of Allah).
- Respect: Never place any object or yourself higher than the Holy Quran.
- Focus: Talking while reading the Quran is prohibited; if urgent, pause properly first.
- Articulation: Each letter must be given its proper respect and pronunciation.
- Conclusion: Affirm the truth of Allah by saying "Sadaqallahul Azim" (Allah the Almighty has spoken the truth).
Parts of Tajweed
Tajweed is divided into two sections:
- Scientific Tajweed: The theoretical understanding of rules found in books. This is a collective obligation (Fard Kifayah); if scholars maintain it, the community is absolved.
- Practical Tajweed: The application of phonetic principles while reading. This is an individual obligation (Fard Ayn) for every Muslim reciting the Quran. Every Muslim must recite the Quran correctly to the best of their ability. Our online Quran teacher helps you bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Levels of Recitation
- At-Tahqîq: Slow, deliberate recitation for learning and deep reflection.
- Al-Hadr: Quick recitation for revision (Hifz review), ensuring no letters are merged incorrectly.
- At-Tadweer: A moderate pace between the two, used in most prayers.
Common Errors
Non-Arabs often struggle with:
- Incorrect Stops: Stopping on a vowel instead of a Sukoon, or stopping where the meaning is incomplete.
- Timing of Vowels: Making short vowels too long (sounding like letters) or long vowels too short.
- Articulation Points: Mispronouncing letters like Dad (ض), Qaf (ق), or Ain (ع), which changes the meaning entirely.
Enroll in our online Quran course for Kids and adults today to learn the Quran online and correct your recitation before it becomes a habit!
