In Islam, the Qur’an is a central and sacred guide as the Final Message of Allah to humanity, delivered by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Word of Allah is the ideal guide to life, and reciting the Qur’an is both worship and spiritual bond with Allah. One of the loveliest aspects of reciting the Qur’an is the employment of Tajweed, the regulations for proper pronunciation when reciting. Reciting the Qur’an with Tajweed is not a taste preference—it is a religious necessity demonstrating respect to the Word of Allah.

Tajweed (تَجْوِيد) means literally “to do better” or “to make better.” In reciting the Qur’an, Tajweed is the proper pronunciation and articulation of each letter, assigning each its rights and features, i.e., clarity, stress, and prolongation. The purpose of Tajweed is to recite the Qur’an as received by the Prophet ﷺ in a manner that maintains the accuracy, beauty, and rhythm of the Divine message.

The Qur’an itself requires proper recitation. Allah states in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:4):
“And recite the Qur’an with measured recitation (tarteel).”
This verse highlights not only reading, but reading wisely or carefully and properly. Tajweed ensures the maintenance of this “measured” and meaningful style of reading so that the message or meaning is intended to be conveyed, both in meaning and sound.

Recitation in Tajweed has numerous spiritual and practical benefits. It enhances one’s connection with the Qur’an and allows the reader to comprehend its meaning on a deeper level. It also protects the reader from errors that alter meanings, which is vital in light of Arabic accuracy. For instance, an error in the reading of some of the letters or vowel prolongations can totally alter the meaning of a verse.

Learning Tajweed is a process most commonly acquired under the guidance of a qualified teacher or Qari. The students learn the Makharij al-Huruf (letter articulation points) and Sifat al-Huruf (letter characteristics) first. They then learn a series of rules for the pronunciation of letters in various situations, among them being Idgham, Ikhfa, Iqlab, and Izhar for noon saakin and tanween, and madd (extension) and waqf (closure) rules.

While Tajweed is a challenging skill to attain, it is a highly rewarding activity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Bukhari)

This hadith speaks of the merit of knowing the Qur’an intimately, even by way of correct recitation. Finally, reciting the Qur’an with Tajweed is not only a way of adding to its tunefulness but also an exhibition of true devoutness. It is an evidence of a Muslim’s admiration for the sanctity of the Qur’an and for upholding its sanctity. Through Tajweed, Muslims are able to fulfill the right of the Qur’an, draw closer to Allah, and become members of a tradition of spiritual excellence spanning centuries.