Learning the rules of Tajweed and how to apply them while reciting the Quran is a vital step for Muslims of all ages and backgrounds. However, many learners feel intimidated at first and are confused about how to learn Tajweed of Quran because it might seem too complex but in this article, we will provide an easy-to-follow guide on the topic making it accessible and interesting for learners of all levels.
What is Tajweed?
The literal meaning of the word “Tajweed” is “to make better” or “to improve”. In this context, Tajweed refers to the proper articulation of the Quranic letters and words according to certain rules, so that the Quran is recited in the same manner our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recited it.
Hence, learning Quran with Tajweed is about studying a set of rules that guide the correct pronunciation of the Arabic letters with all their qualities and applying them to various Quran recitation types (10 Qira’at).
10 Practical Tips to Learn Quran with Tajweed
We have compiled a collection of tips to guide you on your way to learn the Tajweed of the Quran. These tips include:
1. Learn the Articulation and Characteristics of Arabic Letters
The first thing you need to know about the Tajweed of the Quran is how to pronounce the Arabic letters correctly. You do not have to feel overwhelmed by this task because some of the Arabic letters are similar in pronunciation to letters in other languages but it is the ones that stand out that require the utmost attention.
A learner of Tajweed must also learn the Sifat or characteristics of these letters as they dictate the manner of articulation for each letter to distinguish the ones that have a common pronunciation point.
2. Focus on the Contextual Application of the Rules
It is important to pay heed to the tajweed rules in a contextual sense. This means that you need to not only know the way of pronouncing letters individually but also to know the changes that occur when they appear before or after certain letters.
For example, the Noon Saakin is pronounced as a clear Noon when it comes before letters like Hamza but it is pronounced as a Meem after Baa’ (ب) and merged into it.
3. Create a Personal Tajweed Notebook
To make it easy for you to learn Quran recitation with Tajweed, you should dedicate a notebook to record the rules that you learn and write down examples from Quranic verses to ensure maximum retention of information.
This form of personalized note taking serves to cement the information in your memory as well as create your own personal Tajweed guide that you can always refer back to as you recite the Quran.
4. Practice Recitation by Memorizing Short Surahs
Practicing is a vital method of learning Tajweed for beginners. It can be done by reciting and even memorizing short Surahs of the Quran giving way to sustainable efforts to practice the rules. Memorizing short Surahs will not only benefit you in learning Tajweed and practicing its rules but also in motivating you to memorize more chapters of the Quran and gain spiritual insights from the meaning of the verses.
5. Listen and Compare: Measure Up to Renowned Qari’s
Long ago, the oral transmission of Quranic recitation was key in preserving the Quran from alteration and change.
Alhamdulellah, this has been made a lot easier now thanks to modern technology since you don’t have to seek an expert Qari’ across the world; You can find the recitation of renowned Qari’s such as Al-Minshawi and Al-Hossari on YouTube and other online platforms. Listening and imitating their recitation is a sure means to perfect Quran learning with Tajweed and will also help you to learn qirat of quran.
Note: Almuhammadi Academy has designed an online tajweed course where students will learn accurate pronunciations, tajweed principles, Makharij, and Sifaat that will lead to reading the Quran like a pro-Qari.
6. Understand the Meaning of the Verses
Make sure to look up the meaning of the verses and understand them thoroughly while attempting to learn Quran with Tajweed because this will help you understand and apply the stopping rules of Tajweed, that is, knowing when stopping is permissible, prohibited or obligatory depending on the context of the Ayat.
7. “And Teach it”
Prophet Muhammad PBUH stated in the Hadith: “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” Thus, teaching the Quran and the rules of Tajweed to others makes you among the best that Prophet Muhammad PBUH mentioned. Not only that, your retention of the information learned will improve once you teach it to others.
8. Use Apps and Multimedia for Quran Learning with Tajweed
Technology has made learning in many disciplines easier and more accessible; this also includes the study of Tajweed. The use of Apps and multimedia can greatly aid learning Tajweed as it provides interactive and engaging tools that suit different learning styles. These tools cater to different learners by incorporating the senses such as hearing and sight. Some apps also help you to keep track of your learning progress over a period of time.
9. Get a Professional Tutor
It is perfectly fine to seek the help of a professional tutor when you learn the rules of Tajweed. A tajweed teacher can assist and guide you in learning Tajweed theoretically and practically in addition to correcting any mistakes in your Quranic recitation.
10. Obtain an Ijazah
When you reach an advanced stage in your learning journey, you can attempt to obtain an Ijazah which is an official certificate that you have mastered the recitation of the Quran. This allows you to teach others the proper recitation of Quran according to the rules of Tajweed.
Suggested Study Plan to Learn Tajweed of Quran
This a suggested plan extending over 4 months for a beginner in Tajweed. It can be adjusted according to your level and the deadline you have set for yourself.
| Month 1 | This month should include a simple introduction to Tajweed, understanding its importance and some of its basic definitions, and principles.Study the proper articulation of Arabic letters |
| Month 2 | Focus on simple but essential rules of Tajweed such as Noon and Meem Saakin, Lam, and Raa. These will create a solid foundation for further learning. Review the rules you have learned in the previous month |
| Month 3 | You can go on to learn more advanced rules of Tajweed such as Qalqala, Ghunnah, and Ikhfa. This contributes to analyzing and understanding the contextual application of Tajweed rules. |
| Month 4 | The last thing you should concentrate on is the stopping rules.Practice the rules previously learned by memorizing short Surahs of the Quran. |
Conclusion
Finally, any learner of Tajweed needs to commit to a carefully structured plan that relies on steady progress and includes starting with the basics of Tajweed before attempting to hone their recitation skills by listening to excellent Qari’s. There is always the option of asking for professional help from expert tutors in the field to design a plan tailored to your needs and abilities. In your pursuit of mastering Tajweed these are some key steps that will help you to perfect your recitation of the Quran and gain from its great reward.
