The Meaning of Tajweed
Tajweed is a familiar term for those who have learned
to recite the Quran. The linguistic meaning of tajweed (تجويد) is (تحسين)
or to beautify something. In the context of the recitation of
the Quran, tajweed is a set of rules for the correct pronunciation of
the letters with all their qualities and applying the various traditional methods
of recitation (qira'at). The reader have to recite the Quran in the same way
that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) learned from Jibrael.
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| Tajweed |
It is recommended that one learns Tajweed from
someone that has mastered it, as they can guide the student to learn each rule.
It is difficult to hear one’s own mistakes when reciting, so reciting to a
teacher helps greatly. One can still practice by themselves by recording the
section they recite and listening to it alongside a professional reciter of the
Quran (such as Mishary Alafasy or Mohammed Ayoub). Even when one is not
reciting, listening to professional reciters can help teach the correct
pronunciation of letters and proper Tajweed rules. One can seek out
classes at a local mosque or enroll in an online course, such as Quranic’s
Tajweed course, which helps students learn efficiently at their own pace
through recorded videos. YouTube also contains many courses teaching the Tajweed rules.
Listening to correct pronunciation is key!
History
The idea of studying Tajweed did not exist at the
time of revelation as all Arabs spoke in tajweed! The Quran was spread
orally at first, but even the early version of the written book looks quite
different than the versions today. The extra signs and the dots that are on
some letters were not present. As more non-Arabs joined Islam, these signs were
slowly added to aid them to recite with Tajweed. They are simply there to
help mimic the Messenger’s recitation. Nothing new is added. The growth of
Islam allowed for different cultures and languages to mix. Many dialects and
languages were born in the process, so even Arabs have to learn Tajweed since
it does not come naturally anymore.
The beginning of the science of tajweed was when
the Islamic state expanded in the third century of Hijra, where error
and melody increased in the Qur’an due to the entry of many non-Arabs
to Islam. So the scholars of the Qur’an began to write the rules and rules of
intonation. It is said that the first person to collect the science of tajweed in
his book Kitāb al-Qirā'āt was Imām Abu ʻUbaid al-Qāsim bin
Salām (774 - 838 CE) in the third century of Hijra.
Importance and Benefits
Not only does it beautify the recitation, but learning tajweed will
also ensure the message is not distorted by mistake. Reciting without tajweed could
change the meaning of words as there are rules set in place to differentiate
similar letters. Even incorrect elongations can alter the meaning.
The benefits
of learning Tajweed are many as reflected in some of the following Alhadeeth:
▪ The reciters of the Qur’an
will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels
‘Aa’ishah,
may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Verily
the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be
in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites
with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice
that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
▪ There are ten rewards for
each letter you recite from the Quran
“Whoever
reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward
will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter,
rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a
letter.” [Tirmidhi states this is saheeh]
▪ You will be from the best of
people
‘Uthmaan,
may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “The best of
you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others” [Al-Bukhari]
▪ The Qur’an will lead you to
Paradise!
The Qur’an
is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully
believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise;
whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic
hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]
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