Tajweed Rules
Tajweed Rules
The rules for tajweed in the Qur'an specify how the Arabic words and letters should be spoken and recited. Tajweed, which translates as "to make well or improve," strives to enhance the reciter's voice while preserving the truth and intent of the Quran. Tajweed is a byproduct of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) oral tradition that he received the Quran through the angel Gabriel.
There are some of Tajweed rules that are commonly taught to Quran readers and reciters.
They are:
Makharij al-Huroof
Sifaat al-Huroof
Noon Sakinah and Tanween
Meem Sakinah
Ghunnah
Waqf and Ibtida
Makharij al-Huroof
The Arabic letter articulation points are referred to as Maharaj al-Huroof. It is a crucial idea in the study of Tajweed, which concentrates on using the right Arabic pronunciation, especially when reciting the Quran.
According to Makharij al-Huroof, each Arabic letter is spoken at a certain position in the mouth and throat. Having a clear understanding of these concepts aids in making proper letters.
Several Makharij al-Huroof articulation sites are listed below:
Al-Jawf (The Hollow of the Throat): Letters that originate from the throat, such as "أ" (alif), "ه" (ha), and "ع" (ayn).
Al-Halq (The Throat): Letters pronounced deep in the throat, such as "ح" (ha), "خ" (kha), and "غ" (ghayn).
Al-Lisaan (The Tongue): Letters pronounced using the tip, middle, or back of the tongue, such as "ت" (ta), "د" (dal), and "ر" (ra).
Ash-Shafatain (The Lips): Letters pronounced using the lips, such as "ب" (ba), "و" (waw), and "م" (meem).
Al-Khayshoom (The Nose): Letters are pronounced by directing air through the nose, such as "ن" (noon).
Sifaat al-Huroof
The notion of Sifaat al-Huroof, commonly referred to as the properties of letters, is used in Arabic linguistics to define the distinctive aspects and traits of each Arabic letter. These characteristics aid in deciphering the proper letter articulation and pronunciation.
Sifaat With Opposites
• Al Hams ≠ Al Jahr
• Shidda ≠ Al Rikhawa.
• Al Isti’laa ≠ Al Istifaal
• Al Itbaaq ≠ Al Infitaah
• Al Ithlaaq ≠ Al Ismaat
Sifaat Without Opposites
• Al Safeer
• Al Qalqalah
• Al Leen
• Al Inhiraaf
• Al Takreer
• Al Tafasshi
• Al Istitalah
Noon Sakinah and Tanween Rules
1-Idgham:
When a Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by any of the letters of Idgham (ي، و، ن، م، ر، ل), it is assimilated into that letter.
There are two types of Idgham:
a. Idgham with Ghunnah:
In this case, the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is assimilated into the following letter with a nasal sound (ghunnah) and is pronounced softly.
The letters:
ي ن م و
b. Idgham without Ghunnah:
In this case, the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is assimilated into the following letter without a nasal sound. The pronunciation remains clear, but there is a smooth transition between the two letters.
The letters:
ر ل
Ikhfa:
When a Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by any of the letters of Ikhfa (ج، د، ب، ت، ط، ظ، ذ، ز، س، ش), it is pronounced with a light nasal sound. The sound is not as strong as in Idgham, but it is still slightly nasal. The second type of Ikhfa is Ikhfa with a heavy nasal sound after the following letters (ص ض ط ظ ق)
Iqlab:
When a Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by a Ba with a Sukun, the Noon or Tanween is changed into a Meem with a Sukun and is pronounced with a nasal sound.
Idhaar
Idhaar is a rule in Tajweed that applies when a Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by any of the letters of Idhaar (ه ح ع غ خ ء).
In Idhaar, the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is pronounced clearly without any assimilation or nasal sound. The pronunciation remains distinct and separate from the following letter.
To apply Idhaar correctly, you should:
Recognize that the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of the letters of Idhaar.
Pronounce the Noon Sakinah or Tanween clearly and distinctly, without any nasal sound.
Maintain the correct length of the sound, ensuring it is not too short or too prolonged.
Meem Sakinah
What Is Meem Sakinah?
When the letter meem comes in a word with a sukun ( مْ)
Why Is This Important?
There are some scenarios that affect the way in which the Meem Sakinah is pronounced.
Similar to the Nun Sakinah rules are determined by the letter that comes after the Meem Sakinah.
There are 3 rules :
Al Idgaam Al Shafawi
The letter م comes after a Meem Sakinah. This is an example of Idgaam Mutamathil
Letter of Idgaam
م
How to pronounce it?
- Hold the م for two counts with Gunnah
- The lips should be held together whilst doing Gunnah.
- Continue reading from the next م.
Al Ikhfaa Al Shafawi
The letter ب comes after the Meem Sakinah. The م is recited with Gunnah then recitation is continued with ب.
The Letter of Ikhfaa’
ب
How Do I Recite It?
- Hold the م for two counts with Gunnah
- The lips should be held together whilst doing Gunnah.
- Continue reading from the ب
Ghunnah
(Long nasal Sound)
In Tajweed, the term "Ghunnah" refers to the nasalization of certain letters when they have a specific vowel or diacritic. It is an important aspect of proper Quranic recitation.
What Is Ghunnah ?
Whenever Noon ن or Meem م has Shaddah , Apply Ghunnah (Long nasal Sound )
Waqf and Ibtida
Two key ideas in Tajweed, the set of guidelines for the correct recitation of the Quran, are Waqf and Ibtida.
Waqf: It's the practice of pausing or interrupting the recitation of the Quran at the conclusion of a verse or at a certain verse inside a verse. For the verses' rhythm and meaning to be accurate, waqf must be properly observed. There are many forms of waqf, each with its own guidelines and requirements, including obligatory waqf, advised waqf, and permitted waqf.
Ibtida: This term describes the initial letter or word of a stanza, which serves as the starting point of recitation. The proper observation of ibtida guarantees that the beginning of each verse is pronounced correctly and is given appropriate emphasis.
