By the end of this lesson
- Define Tajweed
- Know the two kinds of mistake
- Begin with the istiʻādhah and basmalah
Tajweed (تجويد) comes from a root meaning 'to make excellent'. In recitation it means giving every letter its right: its correct point of articulation and its qualities, and applying the rules that come from how letters meet.
Scholars describe the knowledge of the rules as a communal obligation, and reciting with Tajweed as the way the Quran was revealed and taught. In practice, that means learning from a teacher who can hear you.
Two kinds of mistake (laḥn)
| Type | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Clear mistake (laḥn jalī) | Changes a letter, vowel or meaning. Must be avoided. | Reading ح as ه, or changing a fatḥah to a ḍammah |
| Hidden mistake (laḥn khafī) | Breaks a rule of beauty and precision, but not the meaning. | Missing a ghunnah, or a madd that's too short |
Beginning a recitation
Seeking refuge before reciting (an-Naḥl 16:98)
At the start of any sūrah except at-Tawbah, recite the basmalah after the istiʻādhah. In the middle of a sūrah it's optional.
PracticeClear or hidden mistake?
Reading قَلْب with a كShow answer
Clear: the letter has changed
Shortening the ghunnah on إِنَّShow answer
Hidden
Reading ٱلْحَمْدُ with a light هShow answer
Clear: ح became ه