The Importance of Tajweed Rules

The Holy Quran is the literal words of Almighty Allah that Allah revealed as an impeccable and unmatchable source of legislation for mankind. Furthermore, it consists of rules and recommendations about all aspects of life and the afterlife. Being so important, every Muslim should read and recite the Holy Quran with Tajweed in a proper and clear manner. 

Allah Almighty said, “Those to whom we gave the Book recite it as it should be recited: they are the ones who believe therein. And whose disbelieve in it, those are they who are the losers.” [Quran, Al-baqarah-121]

Along with the Quran’s profound and noble meanings, there is also its sublime language which, if recited correctly, will soften the hearts of its listeners. The reading of the Holy Quran in a leisurely and relaxed way, in order to achieve the meaning of the verses, is to understand and apply the legislation contained therein during the daily life of the Muslim; reading the Holy Quran without taking into account the various rules of tajweed may change the meaning of words as well as a complete verse.

What is Tajweed? 

The word tajweed comes from the root of the verb Jawada; which literally means to beautify and improve your reading (doing it well). In the context of the recitation of the Holy Quran, Tajweed is a science of studying the correct articulation of letters. So it is applied when articulating every letter from its articulation point and giving the letter its rights and dues of characteristics. Rights of the letters are its required characteristics that never leave it. The dues of the letters are its presented characteristics that are present in it some of the time, and not present at other times.i.e. the Qalb, Gunah, Maad.

Parts of Tajweed

Tajweed consists of two parts which related to the essence of their meaning:

1. The Scientific Tajweed: It is the knowledge of Tajweed rules and characteristics in the certified books. This part is a collective duty which means if a few Muslims learn and memorize it, it was made to fall from the others; but if no one does then all the Muslims are in sin. That is because it is one of the legal science and for that, there is a MUST to be in each of the Islamic countries of different languages tutors taught it. Allah Almighty said,” And it is not for the believers to go forth [to battle] all at once. For there should separate from every division of them a group [remaining] to obtain understanding in the religion and warn their people when they return to them that they might be cautious.” [Quran, At-Tawba-122]
2. The Practical Tajweed: It is the implementation of phonetic rules of Quranic recitation and reading Quran with tajweed as it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him). It is required upon every legally competent Muslim of a responsible age to perform religious duties in Islam and to recite Quran with tajweed properly. Allah Almighty said, “….And recite the Quran with measured recitation.” [Quran, Al-Muzzammil-4]