Quran with tajweed

Answer 1

"Quran with Tajweed" refers to the recitation of the Holy Quran according to the specific rules of pronunciation, articulation, and timing that were transmitted from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Here is a comprehensive overview of what Tajweed is, why it's important, and how you can engage with it.

1. What is Tajweed (تَجْوِيد)?

Linguistically, the word Tajweed means "to beautify," "to improve," or "to make proficient."

Technically, it is the science of giving every letter of the Quran its due right and characteristics (Makhraj and Sifat) in recitation. It involves the precise articulation of each sound, the proper lengths of vowels, the rules of pausing and stopping, and the correct application of nasalization (ghunnah), among other rules.

In essence, Tajweed is the art and science of reciting the Quran as it was revealed to and recited by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

2. The Importance of Tajweed

Reciting with Tajweed is considered essential for several reasons:

1. Divine Command: Allah instructs in the Quran, "and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation." (Surah Al-Muzzammil, 73:4). Scholars interpret this as a command to recite the Quran clearly, correctly, and with proper articulation.
2. Preservation of Meaning: The Arabic language is very precise. A slight change in pronunciation, vowel length, or emphasis can sometimes alter the meaning of a word or an entire verse. Tajweed protects the recitation from such errors.
3. Following the Sunnah: It is the way the Prophet ﷺ, his companions, and all succeeding generations of qualified reciters have recited the Quran. Learning Tajweed is an act of following this unbroken chain of transmission (sanad).
4. Spiritual Connection: A correct and beautiful recitation enhances the spiritual impact of the words of Allah on both the reciter and the listener, fostering a deeper connection with the divine text.

3. Key Areas of Tajweed

The science of Tajweed covers several key areas. Here are a few of the most fundamental:

1. Makhārij al-Hurūf (مَخَارِجُ الْحُرُوف): The specific articulation points of each of the 28 Arabic letters in the mouth and throat.
2. Sifāt al-Hurūf (صِفَاتُ الْحُرُوف): The attributes or characteristics of each letter, such as being "heavy" (full-mouthed) vs. "light" (thin-mouthed), or causing an echo-like sound (Qalqalah).
3. Ahkām al-Madd (أَحْكَامُ الْمَدّ): The rules of lengthening the vowel sounds. There are specific circumstances where a vowel must be held for 2, 4, 5, or 6 beats.
4. Ahkām an-Nūn as-Sākinah wat-Tanwīn (أَحْكَامُ النُّونِ السَّاكِنَةِ وَالتَّنْوِين): The four famous rules that govern how a silent 'N' sound is pronounced when it is followed by other letters:
5. Iẓhār (إِظْهَار): To pronounce clearly.
6. Idghām (إِدْغَام): To merge into the next letter.
7. Iqlāb (إِقْلَاب): To flip the sound into an 'M'.
8. Ikhfā' (إِخْفَاء): To hide or nasalize the sound.

4. Resources for Learning and Listening

A. How to Learn:

1. Find a Qualified Teacher: This is the most crucial step. Tajweed is a practical science that cannot be perfected from books alone. It requires listening to a qualified teacher and having your recitation corrected by them.
2. Use a Qa'idah: Start with a foundational text like "Al-Qaidah An-Noraniah" to perfect the pronunciation of individual letters and basic rules before moving to the Quran itself.

B. Listening to Master Reciters (Qurrā'):

Listening to reciters renowned for their perfect Tajweed is one of the best ways to train your ear.

1. Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hussary: His recitation is exceptionally precise and is often recommended for students of Tajweed due to its clarity.
2. Sheikh Muhammad Siddiq Al-Minshawi: Known for his deeply moving and beautiful recitation, perfectly applying all the rules.
3. Sheikh Ayman Suwaid: A contemporary scholar who is one of the world's leading experts in Tajweed and the Ten Qira'at (recitations). His recitations and lectures are invaluable resources.