Importance of Tajweed in Quran Recitation
The Holy Quran is not just a book of religious laws and events; it is a complete guide to becoming a good Muslim. The Holy Scripture was revealed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) through Harat Jibrael (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
It is a miraculous Book that was revealed over a period of twenty-three years and contains everything from stories of Prophets (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to the laws that Muslims must follow. It is a comprehensive Book known for its beautiful language and the deep meaning behind the prose.
The Holy Quran was also presented as a challenge for the Arabs who took great pride in the eloquence of their language. Popular Arab poets were highly respected and enjoyed great fame in the region. It is for this reason that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) challenged the disbelievers to produce even a single verse like the one present in the Holy Quran. Allah has challenged the disbelievers in the Holy Quran as follows:
“If you are in doubt of what We have revealed to Our votary, then bring a Surah like this, and call any witness, apart from God, you like, if you are truthful.” [2:23]
Reciting the Holy Book alone carries a lot of rewards. Even if we do not understand the Arabic language daily recitation of the Quran is necessary. It keeps us connected with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). However, recitation should be done properly with the correct Tajweed.
Tajweed Explained
Simply put, Tajweed refers to the proper pronunciation of words in Arabic. The word Tajweed means ‘to do something well’ and is used in the context of recitation. It requires readers to follow the rules of the Arabic language precisely so each letter and each word is correctly pronounced.
In addition to the correct pronunciation, Tajweed also covers the rules of recitation, such as where to stop, where and when to pause, how long the pause must be, and so on. Proper Tajweed produces a recitation with a natural rhythm, much like poetry. It highlights the eloquence and beauty of the words used in the Holy Quran.
Significance of Tajweed
Learning proper Tajweed is a necessary part of reciting the Holy Quran. Here is why Tajweed is so important:
Avoid Mistakes That Change the Meaning of What Is Written
Since many Muslims are not native Arabic speakers, they may not be aware of the proper pronunciation of certain letters and words. This mispronunciation may lead to serious mistakes like changing the meaning of a word entirely.
While the mistake is unintentional and difficult to realize, it can easily be avoided by learning the proper rules of the language and the correct pronunciation. The Quran is no ordinary book; it is the Word of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and it must be treated with care.
Spending time and effort to learn the correct way to recite the Holy Quran is a necessity. Since failure to do so goes against the spirit of Islam that requires us to revere the Holy Book.
Pass on the Knowledge to Others
When you know Tajweed you cannot just correct your own mistakes when reciting the Quran, but mistakes made by others as well. As per a hadith narrated by Hazrat Usman bin Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 5028]
This narration indicates the significance of learning the Holy Quran and teaching it to others. It is what our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did for the rest of his (ﷺ) life after the first revelation of the Holy Book was revealed to him (ﷺ).
In Islam, a teacher of any subject is given great respect. Naturally, a person teaching the Quran holds a high status in society. This is why passing on the knowledge of Islam is central to our beliefs, as we must prepare the coming generations and inculcate the teachings of Islam.
It would be impossible to do so without doing proper learning first. Tajweed is the basic element of Islamic learning since it relates to the Holy Quran, which is the chief source of Islamic knowledge along with the authentic hadiths.
Gain the Pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)
As Muslims our primary objective is to gain Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) pleasure. This can be done by following His (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) commands, such as being regular in our prayers and observing fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Reciting the Holy Quran is also a way to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and seek His approval. Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) attributes includes As-Sami, The All-Hearer (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and Al-Alim, The All-Knowing One (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). He (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) knows all and is aware of everything.
We cannot hide from our Lord (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and this is why we must always strive to be the best among the believers. We make all kinds of mistakes and do all kinds of wrong deeds, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
We can never ask for enough forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). But we can try to make Him (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) happy. Even if we lack one aspect of our beliefs, we can attempt to compensate for it. Reciting the Holy Quran with Tajweed and giving it the respect it deserves may save us from Hellfire.
Provide an Example for Others
Learning about Tajweed and correcting Quranic recitation is not just about avoiding mistakes and gaining knowledge to teach others; it is a social revolution. Tajweed will have a domino effect on others. Even if we are not teaching Tajweed formally, we can inspire others to correct their mistakes through casual recitation of the Quran.
Hearing how a specific Arabic word or verse is pronounced helps those around us correct their recitation. It also sets an example for others to study Tajweed themselves.
Sources of Learning Proper Tajweed
There are multiple ways you can learn Tajweed and improve your Quranic recitation. You can learn Tajweed by studying under a teacher, someone with formal knowledge of the Arabic language and specifically the Arabic of the Holy Quran.
A simpler way to learn Tajweed is through listening to Quranic recitations available for free on the internet. There are several resources that you can access with any charge and start learning Tajweed immediately. You can pause, rewind, and slow down videos and audio recordings as you please to get every word and learn the correct way to say it through practice.
Getting help from a native Arabic speaker also helps, though you need to understand that there are many different dialects and variations of the Arabic language. The Quran is written in classical Arabic which is usually not spoken casually.
Ultimately, when you have the will you can achieve anything. With noble intentions and efforts, the help of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is never far away. Tajweed is just as important as learning and memorizing the Arabic of the Quran. Quranic learning is incomplete without Tajweed because such a perfect Book needs to be recited with perfection.
