Importance of Tajweed
Tajweed means reciting the Holy Qur’an with correct pronunciation of letters, proper articulation points, and accurate application of rules. It is not merely about a beautiful tone or melody, but about giving each letter its due right and place as taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companions (رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنهم)
Importance of Tajweed in the Qur’aan
Allah (سبحانہ وتعالیٰ) says:
وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا
(Surah Al-Muzzammil: 4)
In this verse, the command “تَرْتِيلًا” forms the basis of Tajweed. The meaning of Tarteel is to recite the Qur’an clearly, slowly, and with proper rules.
Hazrat Ali (رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہ) explained this verse as:
التَّرْتِيلُ: تَجْوِيدُ الْحُرُوفِ، وَمَعْرِفَةُ الْوُقُوفِ
Tarteel means: perfecting the pronunciation of letters and knowing the places to pause.
The Example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ not only recited the Qur’aan with Tajweed but also taught it to his companions (رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنهم) in the same manner. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہ) said:
قَرَأْتُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ سُورَةَ النِّسَاءِ، فَقَالَ: حَسْبُكَ
I recited Surah An-Nisa before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and he ﷺ said: ‘Enough’.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4763)
This narration shows that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to listen to the recitation of the Qur’aan and correct it, which is a method of teaching Tajweed.
Consequences of Neglecting Tajweed
Reciting the Qur’aan without Tajweed can change meanings, which is extremely dangerous. For example:
قَالَ (he said) and قَالَّ (with a shaddah on the lam)
have different meanings.
عَالِمٍ (scholar) and عَلِيمٍ (All-Knowing)
also differ in meaning.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
الْمَاهِرُ بِالْقُرْآنِ مَعَ السَّفَرَةِ الْكِرَامِ الْبَرَرَةِ
The one who recites the Qur’aan fluently will be with the noble and righteous scribes (angels).
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4937)
Is Learning Tajweed Obligatory?
According to Islamic scholars, reciting the Holy Qur’aan with correct pronunciation is Fard ‘Ayn (an individual obligation), because an incorrect reading can distort meanings. Therefore, learning Tajweed is obligatory for every person who recites the Qur’aan.
Conclusion
Tajweed not only enhances the beauty of the Qur’aan but also preserves its meanings. It is also an expression of love for the Qur’aan. Therefore, every Muslim should learn the rules of Tajweed, listen to the Qur’aan from a qualified teacher, and strive to recite it correctly, so that he may be among those about whom the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ
The best among you are those who learn the Qur’aan and teach it.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5027)
