Tajwid is the science and art of reciting the Quran with proper pronunciation, intonation and rules. It is derived from the Arabic word “jawwada”, which means to improve or beautify something. Tajwid is not only a matter of accuracy, but also of reverence and respect for the words of Allah.
The Quran is the final revelation from Allah to humanity, and it contains guidance, mercy and healing for all people. The Quran is also a miracle of eloquence and linguistic excellence, and it challenges anyone to produce a chapter like it. Therefore, it deserves to be recited with utmost care and devotion, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions.
The importance of Tajwid can be understood from several verses of the Quran and hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (S). For instance, Allah says in the Quran: “And recite the Quran with measured recitation.” (73:4) And He says: “Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital. They [are the ones who] believe in it.” (2:121) The Prophet Muhammad (S) said: “The one who recites the Quran proficiently will be with the noble and obedient angels, and the one who recites the Quran with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, will have twice that reward.”
History of Tajwid
The history of Tajwid dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad, who recited the Quran with perfect pronunciation and taught his companions to do the same. Over time, these rules were codified and passed down through generations of scholars and teachers.
During the early Islamic period, Tajwid was primarily an oral tradition, with teachers passing on their knowledge to students through recitation and repetition. However, as the Muslim world expanded and became more diverse, there was a need to standardize the rules of Tajwid in order to ensure that the Quran was being recited correctly and consistently.
This led to the development of a formal system of Tajwid, which was based on the principles of Arabic grammar and phonetics. Scholars began to write treatises and manuals on Tajwid, outlining the rules and providing examples of correct pronunciation.
Over time, Tajwid became an integral part of Islamic education, with students studying it alongside other Islamic sciences such as theology, law, and history. Today, Tajwid is still taught in traditional Islamic schools and universities, as well as online and through private tutors.
Despite its long history, Tajwid remains an evolving field of study, with scholars continuing to refine and expand upon the rules and principles. As technology advances, new tools and resources are also being developed to make Tajwid education more accessible and effective for learners around the world.
Benefits of Tajwid
Tajwid has many benefits for the reciter and the listener. Some of these benefits are:
- It enhances the beauty and melody of the Quranic recitation, making it more pleasant and enjoyable.
- It increases the understanding and comprehension of the Quranic meanings and messages, as each letter and word has its own significance and impact.
- It protects the Quran from distortion and alteration, as any mistake in pronunciation or intonation can change the meaning or implication of a verse.
- It shows the respect and reverence for the Quran, as it is not appropriate to recite it hastily or carelessly.
- It improves the connection and communication with Allah, as reciting the Quran is a form of worship and supplication.
Learning Tajwid requires patience, perseverance and practice. It also requires a qualified teacher who can correct the mistakes and guide the student to improve their recitation. There are many resources available for learning TTajwid, such as books, websites, videos, apps and courses. However, nothing can replace the direct interaction and feedback from a live teacher.
Tajwid is a lifelong journey of learning and improvement. It is not something that can be mastered in a short time or with a superficial approach. It requires constant revision and refinement. It also requires sincerity and humility, as reciting the Quran should not be used to show-off or boast, but rather a means of seeking Allah’s pleasure and guidance.
Importance of Tajwid in Quran
The importance of Tajwid in Quran cannot be overstated. The Quran is the word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It is a guidance for all mankind, a criterion between right and wrong, a mercy and a healing. The Quran is also a miracle, in both content and form. It contains many scientific facts, prophecies, stories, laws and wisdom that are unmatched by any human speech or writing. It also has a unique style, structure and language that are unparalleled by any other book.
Therefore, reciting the Quran with Tajwid is a way of honoring and respecting this divine revelation. It is a way of showing gratitude and appreciation to Allah for His blessings and favors. It is also a way of fulfilling one of the rights of the Quran upon us, which is to recite it properly and correctly. Reciting the Quran with Tajwid also has many benefits for the reciter, such as:
- Improving one’s pronunciation and understanding of the Arabic language,
- Enhancing one’s concentration and focus in prayer,
- Increasing one’s reward and closeness to Allah,
- Protecting one’s tongue from errors and mistakes,
- Purifying one’s heart and soul from sins and evils,
- Beautifying one’s voice and speech.
The rules and principles of Tajwid
Tajwid has many rules and principles that govern the pronunciation, articulation, intonation, elongation, pause, stop, joining and separation of letters and words. These rules are based on the sound knowledge and practice of the scholars of Quranic recitation, who have traced their chains of transmission back to the Prophet Muhammad (S) and his companions. Some of these rules are obligatory (fard), meaning that violating them is a sin; some are recommended (mustahab), meaning that following them is a virtue; and some are optional (jaiz), meaning that they are permissible but not preferred. Here are some key rules and principles of Tajwid:
- Makharij al-Huroof (Articulation Points of Letters)
Tajwid emphasizes the correct pronunciations of Arabic letters by identifying their points of articulation (makharij). Each Arabic letter originates from a specific point in the mouth or throat and has a unique sound. The precise articulation allows for the accurate recitation of the Quranic words. - Sifat al-Huroof (Characteristics of Letters)
The characteristics of Arabic letters (sifat) refer to their specific attributes and qualities. These include characteristics such as voiceless (sakinah), voiced (mufakhkhamah), nasal (ghunnah), and others. Understanding and applying these characteristics ensures proper recitation and pronunciation. - Ahkaam al-Huroof (The rules)
Ahkam al-Huroof, or the rules of Arabic letters in Tajwid, refers to the rules and changes which occur to the pronunciation of the letters when combined with others.
In the following, we mention some of these rules:
- Noon and Meem Mushaddadah (Tajwid rule for elongated Noon and Meem)
This rule accounts for the elongation of the letters Noon (ن) and Meem (م) when a Shaddah (double consonant) appears on them. The elongation is indicated by a longer pronunciation of the letter with a slight pause. - Ghunnah (Nasalization)
Ghunnah refers to the nasalization of certain Arabic letters. It occurs when the letter Noon or Meem is followed by any of the three nasal letters (such as ba, meem, waw). Proper application of Ghunnah ensures nasalization is pronounced correctly, resulting in a melodious recitat n ion. - Madd (Lengthening)
Madd refers to the elongation of specific vowels (harakat) within a word. There are two types of madd: madd al-asli (original lengthening) and madd al-waajib al-mutassil (connected obligatory lengthening). Understanding and implementing madd enhances the rhythm and beauty of the recitation. - Qalqalah (Vibration)
Qalqalah occurs when certain Arabic letters are pronounced with a slight vibration or bounce. These letters include qaaf (ق), taa (ط), baa (ب), jeem (ج), and daad (ض). Applying Qalqalah adds emphasis and a subtle vibrational effect to the pronunciation.
These are just a few examples of the numerous rules and principles of Tajwid. Each rule carries its own significance, contributing to the overall beauty, clarity, and accuracy of the recitation. Mastery of these rules enables individuals to recite the Quran with proper pronunciation, emphasizing the message and melody of its divine words.
How can one learn Tajwid effectively?
Learning to recite the Quran with proper Tajwid is a noble pursuit that requires dedication and effort. It is a way to deepen one’s connection with the holy book and gain a better understanding of its teachings. However, for beginners, the task of learning Tajwid can seem daunting. There are some tips on how to learn Tajwid effectively to make the journey a little easier.
- Find a qualified teacher
Tajwid is a complex subject, and it is essential to find a qualified teacher who has expertise in this area. A good teacher can guide you through the rules of Tajwid and help you to improve your recitation. - Practice regularly
Tajwid requires consistent practice to master the rules. Try to recite the Quran every day, even if it is just a few verses. This will help you to internalize the rules and improve your recitation. - Listen to recitations by experts
Listening to recitations by experts can help you to understand how the rules of Tajwid are applied in practice. You can find many recitations online or by attending a local mosque. - Use Tajwid resources
There are many resources available online that can help you to learn Tajwid, including videos, books, and apps. These resources can supplement your learning and help you to understand the rules more effectively. - Seek feedback
Ask your teacher or someone knowledgeable in Tajwid to listen to your recitation and provide feedback. This can help you to identify areas where you need to improve and make adjustments accordingly.
By following these tips, you can learn Tajwid effectively and improve your recitation of the Quran.
To learn Tajwid, one needs to study its rules and principles from qualified teachers and sources. One also needs to practice regularly and diligently, with sincerity and humility. One should also seek Allah’s help and guidance in this noble endeavor. Learning Tajwid is not only an obligation, but also a privilege and an honor for every Muslim who wants to recite the Quran in the best possible way.
In conclusion, learning Tajwid is of utmost importance for Muslims because it enables us to recite the Quran in the best way possible. Tajwid is divided into three types so by mastering them we can pronounce Quranic verses correctly and avoid errors, strengthen our relationship with Allah (SWT) and His words and gain rewards and blessings from Allah (SWT). May Allah (SWT) include us among those who recite the Quran with Tajwid and understand its meanings. It is essential to remember that learning Tajwid is a lifelong journey that requires practice, dedication, and guidance from qualified teachers. There are numerous online resources, books, and courses available to support your learning process.
If you are interested in learning Tajwid and don’t have enough time to attend a class, don’t worry! DarulQuran academy has solved this problem by holding online Tajwid classes at various levels, taught by the best teachers. In DarulQuran, you have the flexibility to choose a class time according to your convenience.
For more information, visit the website of DarulQuran academy:
https://darulquran.co.uk/courses/tajweed-in-quran-recitation/
