Introductory Tajweed: The Science of Recitation of the Quran

Nadeer Baksh

1. The Holy Qur’an is the Word of Allah. It means that Allah recited the Words contained in the Book. Believers are required to make every effort to the recite the Words just as they were recited by the Lord.

2. Jibraeel was instructed to bring the Qur’an to the Prophet (pboh). In addition to impressing it in the Prophet’s (pboh) heart; he also recited it and had the Messenger (pboh) reciting after him. Allah instructed the Prophet (pboh) to recite the Book as the Angel was doing. The verses with such a Command is as follows: Move not thy tongue concerning it (i.e. the Qur’an), to make haste therewith. It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it. But when We have promulgated it, follow thou the recital (as promulgated). (75:16-18)

3. The science of correct recitation is called Tajweed. It incorporates all the rules of intonation, and the letting out from the mouth the correct spot from where the letter is taken out. The correct pronunciation of each letter is called the Makhraj of the letter.

4. Every student of the Qur’an must make maximum effort to give each letter its due importance regarding its emphasis and the correct place in the mouth from where it is pronounced.

5. Because the Qur’anic Words are from Allah, even those who can read and speak Arabic, must learn Tajweed, as the pronunciation of these Words are governed by special rules and regulations...

This presentation is designed to assist in understanding the laws regarding the Makhraj of the letter; and how the pronunciation of the words become much easier when the sounds of each letter are produced from the correct spot in the mouth from where the letter is supposed to be sounded.