The Importance of Tajweed in Quranic Recitation In order to fully appreciate the Word of Allah, it is essential to learn the linguistic rules of Quran recitation (tajweed). These rules were prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself and should be followed in every surah (chapter) and ayah (verse) that you recite, Understanding the Quran as well as in all other forms of Quran recitation. The Prophet also emphasized their importance during his lifetime and insisted that they be adhered to at all times.

Introduction

One of the most important qualities a person can have is purity and piety. One way to become pure and pious is to recite God’s words with respect and reverence. For Muslims, one of God’s words that need to be recited is The Holy Quran. Allah (SWT) sent it down to Muhammad (PBUH) who then recited it as he was instructed by Allah (SWT). This means that when Muslims recite The Holy Quran, they are following a tradition that was started by Allah(SWT) and Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). To maintain its purity and preserve its holiness, people need to pay attention to how they read it. That’s where tajweed comes in.

What is reciting with Tajweed?

Many people don’t know what it means to recite with tajweed. There are two types of tajweed: one is external and one is internal. External tajweed refers to how you pronounce a letter, word, or phrase; internal tajweed refers to your mental state while reciting. When you recite with correct external and internal tajweed, Allah will reward you greatly. As an example, if you omit an extra letter when reading a verse, that’s an external error; if you read one too many letters in a verse, that’s an internal error.

Why is it necessary?

Although not absolutely necessary, it is best to learn Quran with tajweed rules. An essential aspect of our Deen is learning how to recite the Quran correctly so that we can understand and benefit from its teachings. Learning how to recite correctly will also prevent incorrect recitations which may result from a lack of knowledge. For example, an apostrophe should be placed in a word when two letter nun (ن) are pronounced as one sound. Read Top 3 Online Quran Institutes For Kids to learn more about online Quran institutes.

Understanding what tajweed entails

The word tajweed is derived from a three-letter Arabic root (w-j-d) meaning purification. A more literal translation would be the art of reciting (the Quran). Tajweed then, refers to all linguistic, phonetic and pronunciation rules that are applied when reciting, or rather listening to someone recite, the Holy Quran. These include everything from where one should pause during their recitation to how often one should breathe; it may sound rather technical and intimidating for most but truly it is quite simple as long as you dedicate some time to learn these rules.

Benefits of learning/teaching tajweed

Learning to recite according to these rules is important for a number of reasons. First, it aids in proper pronunciation and fluency. This can be especially beneficial for non-native speakers of Arabic. It can also help those who are reading from texts that were written down incorrectly by giving them an excuse not to read something incorrectly (I didn’t say it wrong – I just read it according to its tajweed rules!). Finally, studying tajweed gives Muslims an idea as to how their language has been corrupted and changed over time. Quran Memorization learning about tajweed is thus a way to reconnect with our rich linguistic history.