Many Muslims ask about what does tajweed mean. Tajweed refers to the rules that ensure the correct pronunciation of the Quran.
The term “Tajweed” (تَجْوِيدْ) is derived from Arabic, where it linguistically means “to improve” or “to enhance.”
You might be wondering if it’s possible to learn Quran with Tajweed and recite it as professionally as these skilled reciters. The answer is yes, you can.
To master Tajweed, it’s essential first to understand what it is and why it is so important. In this article we will answer all your questions.
What Does Tajweed Mean
To recite Quran beautifully you should learn what does tajweed mean?
Tajweed is the disciplined practice of reciting the Quran with precise pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm.
Derived from the Arabic root “j-w-d,” meaning “to make better,” Tajweed involves perfecting Quranic recitation by adhering to specific rules of pronunciation and intonation.
This practice is crucial for accurately understanding and interpreting the Quran. This is the answer to what is Tajweed definition?
Tajweed Meaning In Islam
In discussing what does tajweed mean, it is important to note that the term itself implies “improvement.”
Tajweed in the context of the Holy Qur’an refers to understanding and applying the rules of recitation so that the Qur’an is read as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) recited it.
The word Tajweed comes from the root “Jawdah,” meaning “quality,” and in Arabic, it signifies “improvement” or “proficiency.” This indicates that each letter of the Qur’an should be given its full rights and proper articulation.
By adhering to the principles of Tajweed, we recite the Qur’an with precision in various contexts, respecting the unique features of each letter.
Since the Qur’an’s revelation, intonation and its rules have been integral to its recitation.
When the angel Jibrael (AS) conveyed Allah’s words to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he recited them in a specific manner, demonstrating the proper way to recite the Qur’an.
Tajweed meaning in Islam holds significant importance, every Muslim should know it for proper Quran recitation.
Due to the impotence of the answer of what does tajweed mean? In Madrasat El-Quran, we focus on personalized, one-on-one learning sessions tailored to individual needs in learning the Quran.
Advanced Quran Tajweed Rules
After we discuss the answer to what does tajweed mean, now we will dive into tajweed principles.
Tajweed, from the very beginning, should be learned through listening and practice to achieve perfect recitation.
The rules provided below serve only as a general guide, and it is recommended to seek proper instruction.
This article will cover some of the key rules at a broad level, which you can use as a reference while learning.
Here are some definitions that will be referenced throughout the explanations:
Ghunnah (nasal sound): This is the sound that resonates from the nose when pronouncing certain letters. To experience this, pinch your nose so you can’t breathe through it, then try saying words that start with ‘م’ or ‘ن’. You’ll feel a vibration in your nose, similar to the “Mmmm” (ممممم) sound you make when you see delicious food!
Sakinah/Sakin (سَاكِنَة): This refers to a letter marked with a sukoon (سُكُونْ).
For example: Noon Sakinah (نُون سَاكِنَة) refers to the letter “noon” (ن) with sukoon (نْ).
Now, let’s condense some of these rules with examples to help you master each nuance.
Tajweed Rules With Examples
Nun Sakinah and Tanween Rules
This Tajweed rule pertains to vowels and letters that produce the ‘nnn’ sound, such as:
Noon Sakinah (نْ): The letter “noon” with sukoon, creating a nasal “nnn” sound.
Letters with Tanween (تنوين): A double vowel that adds the noon sound to the applied letter, such as:
جًا (jan): With fatḥatain, creating the “jan” sound.
جٍ (jin): With kasratain, creating the “jin” sound.
جٌ (joon): With ḍammatain, creating the “joon” sound.
Example:
Nun Sakinah
﴿وَالأَنْعَامُ﴾ – ﴿أَنْعَمَ﴾ – ﴿عَنْ﴾
Tanween
﴿عَلِيمٌ﴾، ﴿عَلِيمًا﴾، ﴿عَلِيمٍ﴾.
There are 4 important Rules of Noon Sakinah:
To properly recite Nun Sakinah and Tanween, it is essential to understand the rules of Idhaar, Idgham, Iqlab & Ikhfaa.
1- Idhaar (إظهار) – To Make Clear
When Noon Sakinah (نْ) or a Tanween (تنوين) is followed by any of these six letters:
[ء – ه – ع – ح – غ – خ]
The noon is pronounced clearly, without the nasal sound (ghunnah). This means you should articulate the noon or tanween normally, allowing the sound to be crisp and distinct.
Example:
منْ أحسن – ينْأون- كفواً أحد- منْ هاد – ينْهون – جرفٍ هار
2- Idgham (إدغام):
Literal Meaning: The act of merging one thing into another.
The Rule: If any of the Idghaam letters follow Nun As-Sakinah or Tanween, the Nun Sakinah or Tanween is merged into that letter. The emphasis is placed on the succeeding letter due to the presence of Shaddah.
Idghaam Letters:
[ي , ر , م , ل , و , ن]
Which are assembled in the word:
يَرْمَلُون
Note: Idghaam occurs only when the letters appear across two words. The reason is explained below.
Types of Idghaam:
1. Idghaam with Ghunna:
– This type includes four letters:
[ي, ن, م, و]
Which are assembled in the word:
(يَنْمُو)
Example:
من مّاء – من نّصيب
2. Idghaam without Ghunnah:
– This type includes two letters:
.[ل and ر]
When either of these letters follows Nun As-Sakinah or Tanween, it is pronounced without Ghunna.
Example:
من رّزق – من لّدنه
3- Iqlab (إقلاب)
Iqlab occurs when the letter “Baa” (ب) follows Noon Sakinah or Tanween, causing the sound to transform into a distinct “B” pronunciation.
Example:
“أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الْمَلإِ مِن بَـنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ مِن بَـعْدِ مُوسَى”
4- Ikhfaa (اخفاء)
Ikhfaa is the subtle concealment of Noon Sakinah or Tanween, where the sound blends softly with the following consonant, resulting in a muted or hidden pronunciation.
Example:
“إِنَّهُ كَانَ مَنْصُوراً”
Mim Sakinah Rules
Meem Sakinah refers to a particular situation in Arabic pronunciation where the letter Meem (م) is in a state of sukoon (sakinah – ساكنة), indicating a complete cessation of sound.
This phenomenon occurs either at the end of a word or within a word when Meem is followed by another letter.
Meem As-Sakinah has three rules:
1) Al-Ikhfaa’ As-Shafawi (الإِخْفَاء الشَّفَوِي)
Letter: Baa (ب).
Rule: When Baa follows Meem As-Sakinah (where Meem is at the end of one word and Baa is at the beginning of the next), Al-Ikhfaa’ As-Shafawi with Ghunna occurs.
The sound resembles that of Iqlaab in Nun As-Sakinah, but here a slight gap should be left between the lips.
Examples of Ikhfaa’ As-Shafawi:
“كُنتُم بِهِ”، “يَأْتِيكُم بِمَاءٍ”
2) Al-Idghaam Al-Mithlayn (الإِدْغَام المِثْلَين)
Letter: Meem (م).
Rule: When Meem As-Sakinah (at the end of one word) meets a Meem Mutaharrik (at the beginning of the next word), it is pronounced with Idghaam and Ghunna.
Examples of Idghaam Al-Mithlayn:
“إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَيْبِ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ”
3) Al-Ith’har As-Shafawi (الإِظْهَار الشَّفَوِي)
Letters: All letters except Baa (from Ikhfaa’ As-Shafawi) and Meem (from Idghaam Al-Mithlayn), totaling 26 letters.
Rule: When any of these 26 letters follow Meem As-Sakinah, whether in the same word or across two words, it is pronounced with Ith’har.
Special attention should be given to the Meem when it is followed by the letters Waw (و) or Faa (ف) to ensure clear articulation and avoid confusion with the sound of Baa.
Example:
“سَأَلَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا، لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ”
(الملك 8)
Al-Madd
Al-Madd, a rule of Tajweed, involves the elongation of certain letters during Quranic recitation. This elongation is crucial for preserving the proper rhythm and melody of the recitation.
The letters of Madd: ا , و , ي and they are collected in the word نُوحِيهَا
ا : Alif Sakinah occurs when there is an Alif with a Sukun and a Fatha before it.
و : Waw Sakinah occurs when there is a Waw with a Sukun and a Dhamma before it.
ي : Yaa Sakinah occurs when there is a Yaa with a Sukun and a Kasra before it.
Example:
“شُهَدَآءُ” – “السٌوء” – “وَالسَّمَآءِ” – “قَآئِمَةٌ”
Qalqalah Mechanism
To Pronounce with an Echoing Sound:
When any of the Qalqalah letters appear with a Sukoon, they are pronounced with an echoing sound, whether they occur in the middle or at the end of a word.
Letters of Qalqalah:
[ق , ط , ب , ج , د]
which are combined in the phrase:
قُطْبُ جَدٍ
Note: If a Qalqalah letter appears at the end of a word and you stop on it, it should be pronounced with a medium echoing sound. If the letter has a Shaddah, the echo will be stronger.
Examples:
“وَإِن كُنتُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ مِّمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَى عَبْدِنَا”
(البقرة 23)
“وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاهُ مَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ”
(البقرة 102)
Tarqeeq & Tafkheem
Tafkheem (التفخيم):
Tafkheem is a Tajweed rule that focuses on the pronunciation of heavy letters, known as Mufakhkham.
These letters require a deeper and more resonant sound during recitation, filling the mouth with their rich echo.
The prominent heavy letters include:
Taa (الطاء), Dhaad (الضاد), Saad (الصاد), Dhaa (الظاء), Qaaf (القاف), Ghain (الغين), and Khaa (الخاء).
Definition: Tafkheem involves the strong and emphatic pronunciation of heavy Arabic letters, giving them a fuller and more pronounced sound.
Rules: Heavy letters should be articulated with greater force, allowing their unique resonance to fill the mouth.
Examples:
Taa (الطاء):
“وَأَن لَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاءً غَدَقًا”
(الجن 16)
Qaaf (القاف):
“إنَّ اللَّه عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ”
(النور 45)
Tarqeeq (تَرْقِيق): Light Pronunciation
Tarqeeq, in contrast to Tafkheem, involves the light pronunciation of letters, known as Muraqqaq.
These letters are spoken with less emphasis, resulting in a softer tone during recitation.
Definition:
Tarqeeq refers to the softening of the pronunciation of letters, particularly those that are not considered heavy, according to Tajweed rules.
Rules:
Light letters are articulated with a gentler touch, creating a softer tone that contrasts with the heavy letters emphasized in Tafkheem.
Examples:
Seen (السين):
“رَبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا الرَّحْمَنِ”
(النبأ 37)
Ha (الهاء):
“أَتَسْتَبْدِلُونَ الَّذِي هُوَ أَدْنَى”
(البقرة 61)
Three Letters with Variable Emphasis:
Alif (ا), Lam (ل), and Ra (ر)
have variable levels of emphasis depending on their context, adding nuance to Tajweed pronunciation.
Alif:
Its heaviness depends on the preceding letter, being heavy after a heavy letter and light after a light one.
Lam:
Pronounced heavily with Dumma (ُ) or Fatha (َ) and lightly with Kasra (ِ).
Ra:
Generally maintains a moderate level of emphasis but may become slightly heavier when preceded by a Fatha (َ).
Noon and Meem Mushaddad
Noon and Meem Mushaddad refer to Tajweed rules that govern the pronunciation of the Arabic letters Noon (ن) and Meem (م) when they are accompanied by a Shaddah (ّ), a diacritical mark that indicates the doubling of the consonant sound.
When a Noon (ن) carries a Shaddah(ّ), it is pronounced with an extended nasal sound, similar to the prolonged “nn” in the English word “unnecessary.”
Example:
“إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا”
(النساء 16)
The Noon with Shaddah is pronounced with emphasis, lengthening the nasal sound and differentiating it from a regular Noon.
Likewise, when a Meem (م) has a Shaddah(ّ), it is also pronounced with a prolonged nasal sound, similar to the extended “mm” in the English word “hammer.”
Example:
”عَمَّ يَتَسَآءَلُونَ”
In summary, mastering Tajweed involves understanding and applying key pronunciation rules such as Idhaar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfaa for Nun Sakinah and Tanween, as well as specific rules for Mim Sakinah and Al-Madd. Each rule enhances the clarity and beauty of Quranic recitation, ensuring accurate and melodious pronunciation. By carefully following these guidelines, you can achieve precise and harmonious recitation, enriching your connection with the text.
Importance Of Tajweed
If you were looking for the answer to what does tajweed mean, then you should know the importance of tajweed.
To truly grasp the importance of Tajweed, it is essential to understand that reading the Holy Quran is unlike reading any other book. The benefits of reading the Quran are unparalleled, impacting us physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The Quran contains the words of Allah (SWT) and His divine message, revealed as mercy and guidance for all humanity. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Ramaḍân is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)
Given the Quran’s significance as a religious text, it is our duty to recite it correctly. This is why the knowledge of Tajweed is considered Fard Kifayah—a communal obligation—upon all Muslims, whether young or old, male or female.
Another crucial reason for the importance of Tajweed is its role in preserving the Quran and the Arabic language from distortion over time. After the spread of Islam, Arabs interacted with non-Arabs, raising concerns that the Arabic language, the language of the Quran, might become corrupted.
Thus, adhering to Tajweed rules became essential to maintaining the integrity of Quranic recitation and ensuring the correct pronunciation of its words.
Furthermore, mastering Tajweed not only enhances your Quran recitation but also aids in excelling at learning the Arabic language.
Lastly, listening to Quranic recitation with Tajweed stirs the heart with love for Allah (SWT) and the Quran. The beauty of recitation, whether heard by a Muslim or a non-Muslim, has a profound impact. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
أَخْبَرَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ حُجْرٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ طَلْحَةَ بْنِ مُصَرِّفٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ عَوْسَجَةَ، عَنِ الْبَرَاءِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ زَيِّنُوا الْقُرْآنَ بِأَصْوَاتِكُمْ”
“Beautify your voice when you recite the Quran.”
(Hadith, Sunan an-Nasa’i 1015)
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Through this course, you will explore the subtleties of Tajweed, enhancing your recitation and deepening your connection to the sacred text.
Conclusion
To conclude the answer to what does tajweed mean:
The term “Tajweed” literally means “correct pronunciation” or “doing something well.”
In the context of the Quran, it refers to the set of rules and guidelines for accurate pronunciation and recitation of the Arabic text.
Essentially, Tajweed involves ensuring that every letter in the Quran is pronounced correctly, with attention to its specific characteristics and articulation points.
It is about giving each letter its due rights and maintaining precision in reciting Allah’s words.
Faqs On What Does Tajweed Mean
What Are The 4 Rules Of Tajweed?
Tajweed establishes four primary rules for accurately pronouncing Noon Saakin and Tanween in combination with other letters: Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfaa.
Izhar: Requires the clear pronunciation of Noon Saakin or Tanween when they are followed by specific throat letters.
Idgham: Involves merging Noon Saakin or Tanween with certain letters, either with or without nasalization (ghunna).
Iqlab: Occurs when Noon Saakin or Tanween is followed by an Iqlab letter, transforming the Noon sound into a meem sound.
Ikhfaa: Conceals the Noon Saakin or Tanween when they precede particular letters, allowing for a smoother recitation.
Do Arabs speak with Tajweed?
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), there was no need for people to formally study Tajweed because they naturally spoke with the pronunciation and articulation that Tajweed now teaches.
It was instinctive for them. However, as Islam spread and Arabs began interacting with non-Arabs, errors in Quranic recitation started to emerge. This led scholars to document and formalize the rules of Tajweed.
Today, even native Arabic speakers must study Tajweed, as the everyday Arabic spoken has evolved significantly from the Classical Arabic in which the Quran was revealed.
Why Is Tajweed So Hard?
When learning Quranic Tajweed, three key challenges often arise:
Lack of Arabic Background
Most Muslims are non-Arabs with limited knowledge of Arabic, which complicates learning Tajweed.
Arabic’s complex rules and grammar make it difficult for beginners to master pronunciation.
No Expert Guidance
Attempting to learn Tajweed without a qualified teacher is challenging. Proper guidance is essential for accurately applying Tajweed rules.
Even mosque-based instruction can have drawbacks, such as limited access to qualified teachers and insufficient individual attention.
Difficulty in Learning Makhraj
Makhraj, or the articulation points of letters, varies from different parts of the mouth and throat. This variation can be confusing, especially for those whose native languages lack similar sounds.
