Tajweed rules of the Quran refer to the rules that we must follow to recite Quran correctly without any mistakes, just like the prophet used to read it.
Did you know that the Tajweed rules of the Quran didn’t exist at the time of revelation? The reason behind that is that people at that time used to speak that way. But with time the language changed and now the Arabic that we know is different than the Arabic people used in the past.
Why does the Quran have Tajweed?
But why did they use tajweed then? After Islam started to spread and non-Arabs embraced Islam the need for rules and dots to differentiate the letters from each other appeared. The Tajweed rules and signs were used to make it easy for non-Arabs to read the Quran correctly.
Therefore, the tajweed is added to help us recite the Holy Quran just like our beloved prophet did. Even Arabs should learn tajweed to read the Quran correctly. Because the many Arabic dialects that exist now are different from the Arabic of the Holy Quran.
What does Tajweed literally mean?
The word Tajweed literally means “to perfect” “improve”, or to “beautify”. Therefore, tajweed is a set of rules that help us read the holy Quran in the best way with a melodious voice.
What are the Tajweed rules of the Quran and why is it important?
Tajweed of the Quran is a combination of rules that we use to read the holy Quran correctly and to ensure our right pronunciation of the letters. The rules of Tajweed include the sounds of the letters, and when to open or hide them, in addition to many other rules.
Reciting Quran with tajweed is a Sunnah, and the prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said:
“Verily the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Reciting with tajweed doesn’t only make us read the Quran right but it only helps us understand the true message behind its verse. You see, if you read a word wrong it will change the meaning of the verse, leading to misunderstanding it.
What are the basic Tajweed rules of the Quran?
It’s important to learn tajweed to be able to understand the Qur’anic verses. It could be learned through reciting behind your favorite reciter. Because learning Tajweed needs practice. Our beloved prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said:
“The one who was devoted to the Qur’an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite.”
We will discuss the basic Tajweed rules to guide you along your learning journey. So here they are:
But before we mention the main rules first you must understand the meaning of Ghunnah. Ghunnah is a nasal sound that is produced to pronounce specific letters like the letters M and N. When you try to pronounce them while holding your nose you will feel the vibration. That is what Ghunnah means.
1. Noon Sakinah and Tanween.
When finding a noon Sakinah or the tanween sign that means that you should make the sound ‘nnn’ when pronouncing the word.
2. Izhaar (to make it clear).
The noon is pronounced without making the nasal sound (Ghunnah) when finding any of the following letters followed by noon Sakinah or Tanween: [ء ه ع ح غ خ].
3. Idghaam (to merge).
There are two types of Idghaam. Idghaam with Ghunnah: which is used if you found any of the letters ي ن م و before noon Sakinah or tanween. Then you will apply the Guhnnah to the letter that follows noon Sakinah or Tanween.
Idghaam without Ghunnah: which is used if you found any of the letters ر or ل before noon Sakinah or tanween. You will skip the tanween or noon Sakinah and pronounce the following letter without Guhnnah.
4. Iqlaab (to convert)
Iqlab refers to turning the Ghunnah into Meem when finding the letter ب after noon Sakinah or tanween. And pronouncing the letter ب after it.
5. Ikhfaa (to hide)
If any letter other than the letters we mentioned above is found then Noon Sakinah or Tanween is not pronounced but the Ghunnah is applied. And the level is Ghunnah depends on the letter that is followed after.
6. Noon and Meem Mushaddad.
This rule is applied if you find a shadda on the noon or meem letters. And a two-beat Ghunnah is pronounced.
7. Meem Sakinah.
This rule is applied when finding the Sukoon sign.
8. Ikhfaa Shafawy.
This tajweed rule is applied when the meem Sakinah is followed by the letter “ب”, then you should apply the Ghunnah and not pronounce the meem Sakinah.
9. Idghaam Shafawy.
If a meem is followed with a meem Sakinah then the two words are merged and a Gunnah is applied, like the following example:
أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍ = At’A’mahummminnn jooain
10. Izhaar Shafawy.
If any other letter than meem follows a meem Sakinah this tajweed rule is applied. Don’t merge the words and pronounce the Meem letter.
11. Qalqalah.
Qalqalah means making an echoing sound when pronouncing specific letters. The Qalqalah letters are: [ق ط ب ج د]. Based on the place of the Qlaqalah letters the length of the echoing sounds differ. If one of the letters is found in the middle of the word a quick echo is made. If it’s found at the end of the word and you will stop on it then the echoing sound is stronger. If the stopping word has a Qlqalah letter and a shadda then it will be stronger.
12. Tajweed Madd rules.
Madd refers to stretching the letter more than its normal pronunciation. The madd letters are: [ا و ى]
Whether you’re memorizing Quran online or seeking to learn Tajweed we are here for you and can help you along the way with our professional tutors.
That’s it for today’s article, I hope you found it useful. For more information or if you need any help visit our website, StudioArabiyainEgypt.com
