Tajweed is the science of reciting the holy Quran properly and correctly as it was revealed to prophet Mohamed PBUH . Muslims must learn about Tajweed rules to read the holy Quran correctly. There are basic tajweed rules for beginners to learn about, as well as advanced tajweed rules that Muslims must know about to recite the holy Quran properly and in a good way. The Tajweed’s importance is that Muslims can recite the Quran with beautiful sounds like the popular reciter such as sheikh el Husary, sheikh Abdelbaset Abdel Samad, etc.
Tajweed Rules:
There are 12 rules of Tajweed for beginners that will discuss in this article with their examples and all the information that Muslim want to know about Tajweed rules .
1. Makhraj (مخرج) (Articulation Points)
Definition: Makhraj refers to the specific points of articulation for the various letters of Arabic. Good mastery of Mifaq is essential for correct pronunciation.
Example:
The letter ق (Qaf) is pronounced from the posterior of the throat, while ك (Kaf) is pronounced from the middle of the throat. Mixing these two up completely changes the meaning of the words.
Read also about : How to learn quran with tajweed at home in 7 steps
2. Sifaat (صفات)(Characteristics of Letters)
Sifaat- The inherent qualities of letters that distinguish these letters from others. These include voiced, heavy, and light, among others.
Example:
An example to explain this is the letter ص (Sad), that is pronounced emphatically with strength, while س (Seen) is pronounced softly. The incorrect pronunciation of these can even alter the meanings of words. An example being “صبر” patience, “سبر” research or exploration.
3. Ghunnaharam (غنة) Nasal Sound
Definition: Ghunnah is the nasal sound that, upon the occurrence of certain letters, is usually stretched for two counts.
Example:
In the word مَن (Man), the م (Meem) has a ghunnah. While reciting, it should be drawn slightly.
-
Qalqalah-(قلقلة)The Echoing Sound
Qalqalah: It is the name given to the bouncing of the letters while uttering them in a particular manner. The Qalqalah letters are ق (Qaf), ط (Ta), ب (Ba), ج (Jim), and د (Dal).
Example:
مَجْد, at the end of a word the letter ج (Jim) should have a qalqalah, meaning it should be pronounced with a slight bounce.
-
Idgham (إدغام) (Merging)
Idgham literally means ‘to plunge into something and become one with it.’ Thus the discharging of one letter into another merely makes the transition smoother. Idgham is divided into two categories: complete – with ghunnah, and incomplete – without ghunnah.
Example:
Complete Idgham: في الجملة منْ (Min) followed by إله (Ilah), نnoon is merged into the الalf, making مِيلَه, M’ilah, with a ghunnah.
Broken Idgham: In the word يَاءٌ (Ya) followed by ت (Ta), it incorporates but without ghunnah, pronounced as يَات (Yat).
-
Iqlab (إقلاب) (Conversion)
Definition: The term Iqlab defines the change in pronunciation of a letter due to the presence of another letter. It happens with the letter ن (Noon) if that Noon is followed by hen a letter is pronounced not very clearly and usually this is after a ن (Noon) and ba ب (Ba).
Example:
Min Ba’ad means from after مِنبَعْد Minba’ad the ن (Noon) becomes a م (Meem) sound.
-
Ikhfa (إخفاء)– Concealment
Definition: When a ن with a sukoon comes before certain letters, it is pronounced with a nasal sound but not fully pronounced.
Example: In “مِنْ بَعْدِ” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:35), the “ن” is ikhfa before “ب.”
Read also about : What is the importance of tajweed in Quran ?
-
Qasr (قصر) (Shortening)
Definition: Qasr refers to the shortening of a vowel sound or a letter; this commonly happens when a letter is succeeded by another letter that alters its length.
Example:
In the word كَـتَبَ (Kataba), the َ (Fatha) is pronounced shortly. It is in contrast to a lengthened sound when pronounced without a following letter which causes the change.
-
Lengthening (مد) (Madd)
Definition: Madd means making a vowel sound longer. It may be further divided into various types: Madd Lazim, Madd Jaiz, and Madd Mutasil.
Example:
Madd Lazim: In the word مَـا (Ma) followed by a مـ (Meem), the sound is lengthened considerably.
Madd Jaiz: In يَعْلَمُ (Ya’lamu), the sound of the vowel can be prolonged or not, which solely depends upon the preference of the reciter.
-
Tashdeed (تشديد) (Gemination)
Definition: Tashdeed takes place when a letter is doubled. This has an effect on the length and strength of the sound.
Example:
مُّسْتَقِيم (Mus’taqeem): In this word, the م Meem takes emphasis with length due to the existence of tashdeed.
-
Silah (صلة) (Connection)
Definition: Silah is basically the method in which a few letters are connected upon recitation, such as in continuation or by a pause.
Example:
The two words in the phrase يَا أَيُّهَا (Ya Ayyuha) are joined together without any stop.
-
Waqf (وقف) (Pausing)
Definition: Waqf refers to the stops that occur at certain places while one recites the Quran, which can result in the variations of meanings of different Ayahs.
Example:
In the verse وَإِن كُنتُمْ في رَيْبٍ مِّمَّا نَزَّلْنَا (Wa In Kuntum Fi Raybin Mimma Nazzalna), pausing after “رايب” emphasizes the condition, making it clear.
Tajweed Definition
Tajweed (تجويد) is the science of correctly pronouncing the Arabic letters and words of the Quran, following specific rules to ensure that every letter is articulated with the proper sound, length, and tone. The word “Tajweed” comes from the Arabic root word “جود” (J-W-D), which means to improve or make something better. In the context of the Quran, Tajweed refers to improving the way the Quran is recited by ensuring each letter and word is pronounced as it was revealed, with proper articulation (Makharij), elongation (Madd), and other phonetic rules.
The purpose of Tajweed is to recite the Quran in a way that preserves the beauty, clarity, and meaning of the divine words. It is considered an essential part of proper Quranic recitation and a way to show respect for the sacred text.
Quran Symbols of Tajweed
In order to help reciters follow the rules of Tajweed, various symbols and markings are used in the Quran. These symbols are placed above or below the letters to guide the reciter in the correct pronunciation, articulation, and rhythm of recitation. Some common Tajweed symbols include:
- Madd (مَد) – The elongation sign:
- A line above the letter indicates the need to elongate the sound of the letter. This is used to stretch the vowel sound, often for 2, 4, or 6 counts, depending on the specific symbol used.
- Example: ا (Alif) with a line above it indicates Madd, which means the sound should be prolonged.
- Sukun (سُكُون) – The symbol for no vowel:
- A small circle placed above the letter indicates that the letter has no vowel sound. It is a signal to stop the vowel sound and make a pure consonant sound.
- Example: بْ (Baa with Sukun) indicates that the “B” sound is silent with no vowel following it.
- Shaddah (شَدَّة) – The doubling symbol:
- A small “W” shape placed above a letter indicates that the letter is doubled and should be pronounced with extra emphasis or intensity. The letter is repeated as though it is two letters combined into one.
- Example: مِّ (Meem with Shaddah) means that the “M” sound is doubled.
- Fatha (فَتْحَة) – The short vowel “a”:
- A small diagonal line above the letter represents a short “a” sound.
- Example: بَ (Baa with Fatha) makes the “B” sound followed by a short “a”.
- Damma (ضَمَّة) – The short vowel “u”:
- A small loop-like symbol above the letter represents a short “u” sound.
- Example: بُ (Baa with Damma) makes the “B” sound followed by a short “u”.
- Kasrah (كَسْرَة) – The short vowel “i”:
- A small diagonal line below the letter represents a short “i” sound.
- Example: بِ (Baa with Kasrah) makes the “B” sound followed by a short “i”.
- Tanween (تنوين) – The double vowel sound:
- Tanween is represented by two small diagonal lines above or below the letter and signifies the “n” sound with a vowel. It can appear with Fatha, Damma, or Kasrah.
- Tanween Fath (ً): Indicates the “an” sound (e.g., مَنْ).
- Tanween Damm (ٌ): Indicates the “un” sound (e.g., مُؤْمِنٌ).
- Tanween Kasr (ٍ): Indicates the “in” sound (e.g., مُؤْمِنٍ).
- Tanween is represented by two small diagonal lines above or below the letter and signifies the “n” sound with a vowel. It can appear with Fatha, Damma, or Kasrah.
- Qalqalah (قَلْقَلَة) – The vibration sound:
- This symbol indicates that certain letters, when they appear with a Sukun, should be recited with a vibrant or echoing sound. The letters of Qalqalah are ق, ط, ب, ج, د.
- Example: The letter ق when it has a Sukun should be pronounced with a strong vibration: قْ.
- Izhar (إظهار) – Clear pronunciation:
- A rule that helps reciters pronounce certain letters clearly without any nasal sound. It is typically applied when a specific letter appears after a letter with a Sukun in the Quranic recitation.
- Idghaam (إدغام) – Merging or blending sounds:
- The rules of Idghaam indicate that certain letters, when they appear after a letter with a Tanween or Sukun, should be blended or merged together without stopping the sound.
Takeaway
In this article give summary of 12 rules of tajweed if you need to learn more you can enroll in our online class Learn Quran Recitation with Tajweed ,in this course will help you to recite the Quran with Tajweed rules through on-to-one personalized online sessions.