Introduction to Tajweed
The word Tajweed / Tajwid is a verbal noun from jawwada, which literally means to make better. Tajwid is one of the most prominent sciences of the Qur'an. It is a science governed by deep-rooted static rules derived from the oral recitation of the Qur'an by the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) after hearing the revelation from the Angel Gabriel.
This science preserves the meaning of the revealed words of Allah in sound and expression, protects it from any alteration and retains the unique method of recitation.
It deals with the accent, phonetics, rhythm and temper of the Qur'anic recitation. The divine ordinance establishes the recitation of the Qur'an with tajwid.
The emergence of this science of recitation is from the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) who taught this science practically and like other Islamic disciplines it is protected both in theory and practice by the zealous and dedicated faithful.
Throughout the fourteen centuries since the Qur'an's revelation hardly a generation has passed which has not witnessed celebrated qurra' - the undisputed authorities during their times in this science. The third century of Hijrah marks the beginning of the codification of Islamic sciences. Since that period, Muslim scholars have contributed hundreds of books on the science of Tajwid. The available literature is extremely rich and comprehensive and reflects not only the meticulous zeal of the scholars but also manifests the popularity of this science among the Muslim Ummah throughout the ages.*
* H.I.Surty: The Science of Tajweed, The Islamic Foundation 1988/1408 A.H. Revised Edition 1992/1413 A.H.
Abu Dharr narrated, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) said to me: "O Abu Dharr! If you learn one verse from The Book of Allah (The Quran), it is better for you than to voluntarily pray one hundred rak'as (units of prayer), and if you learn a category of knowledge (religion), regardless if it is applied or not, it is better for you than to voluntarily pray one thousand rak'as." (Ibn Majah, Sunan; Ibn Hajar Al-'Asqalani, Mukhtasar At-Targhib wa-t-Tarhib; Al-Ghazali, Ihya' 'Ulum Ad-Deen)
Tarteel - The word that is used for proper recitation of the Qur'an is the word. The word is used in Surah Muzammil
وَّرَتِّلِ ٱّلۡقُرۡءَانَ تَّرۡتِيلا
'And recite the Qur'an in slow measured rhythmic tone' (Al Qur'an; 73:4)
The Arabic word translated as 'slow, measured rythmic' is TARTEEL. The tafseer of the above ayat according to Ibn Kathir is 'recite the Qur'an slowly, making the letters clear, for this is an assistance in understanding and pondering the meaning of the Qur'an.
The teaching used in this cours is Hafs 'An 'Aasim by the way of Shaatibiyyah.
Tajweed rules
The most important part of Tajweed is learning about correct positions of the organs of speech and the manner of articulation. The Qur'an can lose its meaning if the letters are not pronounced correctly.
When 'tajweed' is observed, the reading will flow smoothly and eloquently. The reader will also be sure he is following the holy Prophet's (s.a.w.s.) example by reciting the Qur'an just as the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) did and just as it was revealed to him - InshaAllah. Failure to adhere to those rules may result in an unacceptable manner of reading, altering the entire meaning of the words and making one guilty of the unintentional utterance of the words of disbelief (kufr).
Incorrect recital of the Qur'an constitutes LAHN, which may deprive the reader of any reward in the Hereafter, and Allah Knows Best.
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