Simple Rules of Tajweed

Introduction

Tajweed literally means to adorn and beautify. In the context of the recitation of the Quraan Shareef, tajweed refers to the correct pronunciation of the letters and applying the various rules of recitation.

The importance of Tajweed cannot be overemphasized. The recitation of the Qur’aan Shareef in salaah is compulsory. Often, due to not reciting the Qur’aan Shareef with Tajweed, the salaah Is affected. It is therefore necessary to learn Tajweed so that the Qur’aan Shareef may be recited correctly.

Arabic is a very delicate language. A slight mispronunciation can completely change the meaning. The word Qalb means heart. If the Qaaf in Qalb is not pronounced correctly and instead, it is pronounced as a kaaf, the meaning changes to “dog!” In Surah Kausar the word “wan .1::1.ar” means sacrifice. If the .1::1.aa is not pronounced correctly the meaning changes to “scold!” It is thus obvious that the rules ofTajweed must be applied in the recitation of the Qur’aan Shareef.

There are many detailed laws of tajweed which take a long time to study. However this booklet contains the most basic laws which, if learnt thoroughly, will enable a learner on the Maktab level to recite the Quraan Shareef correctly. It must nevertheless be remembered that the correct application of the rules of tajweed depends upon listening to Its application by someone who has learnt how to recite the Qur’aan Shareef with Tajweed. Thus the teacher must clearly recite the various examples to the children, highlighting the particular rule that is being applied therein. The children must then be made to repeatedly practice the examples in the book with additional examples from the Qur’aan Shareef in order to fully grasp the application of the rule.