Have you ever heard of Tajweed meaning and wondered why it is considered the foundation of Quran recitation as it was revealed? Tajweed is more than linguistic rules; it is a spiritual art that perfects pronunciation and adds beauty and depth to recitation. In this article, discover its meaning, importance, and key rules step by step.
Tajweed Meaning: What It Really Is?
The word “Tajweed” in language means: improvement and perfection.
Tajweed meaning technically: it is the knowledge that explains the Tajweed rules that must be followed when reciting the Quran, ensuring proper Quran recitation with Tajweed as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.”
It involves giving each letter its due rights in terms of articulation points and characteristics, without exaggeration or distortion.
What is meant by the rights of a letter: these are the essential characteristics of a letter that cannot be separated from it, such as whispering (Hams), emphasis (Jahr), elevation (Isti’laa), and lowering (Istifal).
What is meant by the due of a letter: these are temporary characteristics that may appear in a letter or not, such as heaviness (Tafkheem), lightness (Tarqiq), clarity (Izhar), and merging (Idgham).
What is the Ruling on the Science of Tajweed?
Scholars have differed on the ruling of Tajweed into several views:
- Fard Kifayah (communal obligation): Some scholars say that learning the rules and rulings of Tajweed is a communal obligation; if some people learn it, the obligation is lifted from the rest.
- Recommended: Some scholars consider reading the Quran with Tajweed to be recommended.
- Fard (obligatory): Others consider reading the Quran with Tajweed obligatory for every Muslim. They support this with the verse:
“أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا ٤”
“or a little more—and recite the Quran ˹properly˺ in a measured way.”
(Al-Muzzammil 73:4)
At-Tarteel: here refers to pronouncing letters correctly and giving each letter its right.
What is the importance of Tajweed?
Learning Tajweed holds great importance, including:
- Contemplation of Quranic verses: Correct and precise recitation opens the heart and mind to understand Allah’s verses. Allah says:
“كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَـٰرَكٌۭ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ٢٩”
“˹This is˺ a blessed Book which We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ so that they may contemplate its verses, and people of reason may be mindful.”
(Sad 38:29)
- Improving speech and mastering language: Tajweed not only perfects Quran recitation but also trains the tongue to articulate Arabic letters correctly, helping in learning Arabic itself.
- Achieving the level of Tarteel: the level Allah commanded for Quran recitation.
- Adding vocal beauty: Tajweed inherently means improvement and embellishment, giving recitation a melodious tone that captivates listeners and touches hearts.
- Understanding subtle meanings: Correct recitation helps grasp the meanings and delicate nuances that may be missed without Tajweed.
- Following the Prophet ﷺ: He recited the Quran with Tarteel and Tajweed, teaching the Companions this method. Learning and applying Tajweed is emulating the Prophet ﷺ.
What are the Tajweed rules?
After understanding Tajweed meaning and its importance, let’s look at the main Tajweed rulings:
- Rules of seeking refuge and Basmala: This part covers the meaning of seeking refuge: “A’udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim”, which is recommended to say before starting the Basmala. It also includes the Basmala: “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem”, which is obligatory according to many scholars to separate chapters, except at the beginning of Surah At-Tawba.
- Rules of Noon Sakinah and Tanween: These rules focus on Noon Sakinah and Tanween, which include four rulings: Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfa.
- Rules of Meem Sakinah: Meem Sakinah comes after the letters of the alphabet except the letters of Madd. It has three rules: Ikhfa Shafawi, Idgham Shafawi, and Izhar Shafawi.
- Rules of Shaddah on Meem and Noon: Requires Ghunnah (nasalization) of two counts for Shaddah on Meem and Noon; the count is the time needed to open or close the fingers once.
- Rules of Madd (elongation): Linguistically, Madd means stretching or lengthening. Technically, it refers to elongating the sound with one of the three Madd letters: Alif after Fatha, Waw after Dhamma, and Ya after Kasra. Madd is divided into two main types: original (natural) and secondary Madd.
- Lahn (Errors) and its Types: Covers Lahn, including Lahn Jali (which may change meaning) and Lahn Khafi (which affects the perfection of recitation), and the ruling for each.
- Articulation points (Makharij): Linguistically, Makharij means “pathway.” Technically, it refers to the point from which a letter is pronounced, distinguishing it from others. There are five main articulation points: throat, cavity, nose, lips, and tongue.
- Characteristics of letters (Sifaat): A Sifah is a trait that occurs in a letter as it comes out of its articulation point. This section covers the characteristics that differentiate each letter. They are divided into two categories: characteristics with opposites and characteristics without opposites.
- Rules of heaviness and lightness (Tafkheem and Tarqiq): This section explains Tafkheem (heaviness) and Tarqiq (lightness), their types, and the letters that are always heavy (e.g., in Kha خ, Saad ص, Dhad ض, Qaf ق, zaa’ ظ, ta’ ط, Gain غ), always light (all letters except the heavy letters, Ra, Lam, and Alif), and those that vary (Alif, Lam, Ra).
- Rules of stopping and starting (Waqf and Ibtida’): Covers how to stop at Quranic words, including different types: complete stop, adequate, good, and bad. It also explains how to start reading after stopping or at the beginning of verses and chapters.
- Rules of pauses (Saktat): Linguistically, Sakt means silence. Technically, it refers to pausing at the end of a word without taking a breath for two counts. In the Hafs narration, the total number of Sakt pauses is four.
For those who wish to apply these rules practically, Rattil Online Academy offers interactive Tajweed online courses that help you improve your recitation step by step from anywhere.
FAQs
What is the difference between Tafseer and Tajweed?
Tajweed meaning focuses on the correct pronunciation of letters and their rules, while Tafseer focuses on understanding the meanings and objectives of the Quran.
Can I recite the Quran without Tajweed?
Yes, it is allowed if someone does not know the rules of Tajweed. However, scholars differ on whether reciting with Tajweed is obligatory or recommended if one knows the rules.
Conclusion
After learning Tajweed meaning and its importance in mastering Quran recitation, remember that Tajweed is the bridge that enables you to recite the Holy Quran as the Prophet ﷺ recited it, and every perfect letter you recite elevates you and brings you closer to Allah.
At Rattil Online Academy, we provide an interactive learning environment where you practice Tajweed with certified teachers who explain the rules step by step and correct your recitation live. Whether you are a beginner or seeking mastery, your path to correct and heartfelt recitation is ready with us.
Join now and start your journey to recite the Quran as it was revealed.
