Tajweed Rules Guide
A comprehensive overview of the rules for reciting the Holy Quran correctly.
Introduction to Tajweed
The word "Tajweed" linguistically means "proficiency" or "doing something well." In the context of the recitation of the Quran, Tajweed refers to a set of rules governing the way in which the words of the Quran should be pronounced during its recitation.
The purpose of Tajweed is to make the reciter proficient in reciting the Quran, observing the correct pronunciation of every letter with the rulings and characteristics which apply to it, without any exaggeration or deficiency.
1 Makharij al-Huruf (Articulation Points)
Makharij refers to the specific points of articulation in the mouth, throat, or lips from which an Arabic letter originates. There are 5 main areas containing 17 specific articulation points.
- Al-Jawf (The empty space in the mouth and throat)
- Al-Halq (The throat)
- Al-Lisan (The tongue)
- Ash-Shafatain (The two lips)
- Al-Khaishum (The nasal cavity)
2 Rules of Noon Sakinah & Tanween
These rules apply when a Noon with no vowel (Sakinah) or a Tanween (double vowel) is followed by certain letters.
Izhar (Clear)
Pronouncing the Noon clearly without extra nasalization.
Idgham (Merging)
Merging the Noon into the following letter.
Iqlab (Conversion)
Changing the Noon into a Meem.
Ikhfa (Hiding)
Hiding the Noon with a nasal sound (Ghunnah).
3 Rules of Madd (Prolongation)
Madd means to prolong the sound of a vowel. The basic letters of Madd are Alif, Waw, and Yaa.
- Madd Asli (Natural Prolongation) - 2 counts
- Madd Muttasil (Attached Prolongation) - 4 or 5 counts
- Madd Munfasil (Detached Prolongation) - 4 or 5 counts
- Madd Lazim (Compulsory Prolongation) - 6 counts
Want to master these rules practically?
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