Holy Quran, the religious book of Muslims has a complete code of life and to have blind faith in this book is a part of the Muslim religion. Holy Quran is a very sacred book for Muslims and they have an emotional attachment to it. The Arabic language, which Allah employed to communicate His revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, is likewise guided and preserved by the Holy Quran.

Muslims who study the Quran can improve their comprehension of the Arabic language as well as the complexity and significance of the text itself. We need to be familiar with Tajweed to execute this correctly. But, What Is Tajweed, and Is it that Important? You will get answers to all your questions, just keep on reading the guide. 

What Is Tajweed?

Linguistically, the term “Tajweed” refers to improvement or making something exceptional. When it comes to reading and reciting the Quran, Tajweed is essentially a collection of linguistic and phonetic guidelines utilized to recite the Quran correctly, just like the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) did. 

Tajweed involves more than just learning different accents and dialects. Basic Tajweed guidelines include emphasizing the conciseness of language, timing the syllables correctly, and being aware of how a single letter can alter the pronunciation of a phrase. By better comprehending and honoring God’s words, tajweed will also aid in the growth of a stronger faith and a closer relationship with Him.

Also read: Facts about the Quran

Brief History of Tajweed

The second century saw the beginning of writing in the science of Tajweed. However, Abu Muzahim Al-Khakanee did not establish Tajweed as a separate study until the 4th century (after Hijri) (320H).

There have been things already present in the world but unrecognized. We already knew that there were stars and planets, but terms like “star,” “planet,” and other similar concepts are new. Similar to flowers, there were plants, but science has names and categories for them.

The Holy Quran was revealed with Tajweed, thus we are aware that it existed. The Arabs were fluent in the language at the dawn of Islam. It wasn’t written the way it is today. There were no dots or harakât. The Arabs could read it since they were fluent in the language. Non-Arab people were unable to read in the same way after the advent of Islam. Later, the academics added indicators for Arabs.

Also read: Surah Rehman Benefits

Importance of Tajweed

1. A Closer Connection With Allah Almighty

Learning Tajweed purifies the soul and brings man closer to his GOD. Tajweed forces you to accurately pronounce each letter and avoid the obvious errors that are essential to Quran recitation. Additionally, it strengthens your heart’s connection to Our Lord and Creator and instills the love of Allah SWT there. When you improve your relationship with Allah and make it a habit to learn how to read the Quran correctly with Tajweed and revise it, your heart will experience so much relief. 

When your connection is strong with Allah, your life becomes easier and you become more patient and thankful to HIM for all his blessings. Tajweed builds that divine connection between a man and Allah SWT which is irreplaceable and unmatched. Learning Tajweed builds a sense of responsibility in a man that he has to live his life according to the teachings of Allah SWT and his intention is to please HIM. 

2. Better Understanding

All of us should learn the Quran with Tajweed because reciting the Quran should be taken extremely seriously even a small difference in word pronunciation can result in a completely different meaning. To prevent such serious inaccuracies, tajweed rules instruct you on how to correctly interpret each letter.

The Arabic language is highly subtle. A little pronunciation error might render the meaning entirely different. Learning Tajweed helps the reciter avoid errors while reciting the Qur’an, allowing them to satisfy Allah (SWT) through their performance.

One must learn Tajweed to properly interpret the Quran; else, one is guilty of sin. In this regard, Allah (SWT) says: 

         “and recite the Quran ˹properly˺ in a measured way.” 

Holy [Quran | 73:4]

You must be aware that Tajweed has two components: the scientific and the practical if you wish to learn the rules. The scientific is a component of a communal obligation that calls on at least certain Muslims to be knowledgeable about specific Tajweed guidelines so they can impart them to others. For the Quran to be adequately communicated and correctly interpreted, the practical comprises the phonetic principles for reading and reciting it.

3. Earn Good Deeds

For each letter of the Quran that a Muslim recites, they earn ten good deeds. Just consider the benefits that come from reciting a Quranic Ayah or Surah. This is regarded as one of the greatest advantages of Tajweed because Allah, the Most Merciful, enhances the reward for good deeds. As a result, we should all take advantage of His limitless generosity in this area by learning how to read the Quran properly. In this regard, the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 

“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.” 

[At- Tirmidhi | Riyad as-Salihin 999]

4. Better Among The Rest

This world is a test, we are here to please and obey Allah SWT and live a life that is according to His teachings. Anyone who learns Tajweed automatically becomes better than the ones who do not have any knowledge of this concept. People who learn Tajweed know how to recite the Quran properly, hence they are very less prone to commit any mistake while reading the Quran.

Understanding the Quranic verses we are reading, reciting, or memorizing is one of the most important advantages of studying Tajweed. The Quran was revealed to humanity so that they can grasp it and reflect on it.

Learning Tajweed has several advantages in and of itself. It helps Muslims feel the words of Allah (SWT), rather than only reading or comprehending their grammatical meaning.

We should remember that the right path is always relatively tougher than the wrong path. The path towards Allah’s happiness requires effort and patience. Learning Tajweed is not easy but it is very important and beneficial for this world and the life hereafter. 

5. Benefits of Tajweed On The Day of Judgement

This world is a temporary phase while we all are here to earn good deeds for the life after death. Learning Tajweed will defend the man on the day of judgment. For Muslims to understand, Allah SWT has explained the importance of Tajweed in the Quran. The Quran will be permitted to intercede for those who read it, which is another advantage of Tajweed. It will appear on the Day of the Resurrection to pray for its companions. However, it will testify against those who disregarded and neglected its responsibilities. Therefore, to show it the respect and effort it deserves, we should all take action and learn to read the Qur’an with Tajweed as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In this context the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) 

“ Read the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.” 

[Sahih Muslim | Riyad as-Salihin 991]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Tajweed?

Tajweed or Tajwid is an Arabic word that means “to improve” or “to perform better,” according to linguistics. When used for Quran reading and recitation, it refers to enhancing our Tajweed recitation of the Quran.

2. Who Invented Tajweed?

The second century saw the beginning of writing in the science of Tajweed. However, Abu Muzâhim Al-Khâkânee did not establish Tajweed as a separate study until the 4th century (after Hijri) (320H).

3. How many rules are there in Tajweed?

Make Ghunnah whenever Noon or Meem has a Tashdeed (a long nasal sound). letters appear, then connect them to form idghaam and ghunnah (a long nasal sound). For instance, connect the letters and do not construct a ghunnah if they arrive after noon as saakin or tanween.

4. What Is The Purpose Of Tajweed?

Reading and reciting the Quran is an important aspect of the Islamic religion however committing mistakes while doing so is considered a sin. Fundamentally, the main purpose of the science of Tajweed is to improve a reciter’s ability to recite the Qur’an while adhering to the rules and qualities that apply to each letter, without exaggeration or deficiency. Tajweed helps by reciting the Quran properly and avoiding any possible mistakes. 

5. Why Is Tajweed Important?

Tajweed merely denotes “beautification” or “adornment.” Understanding the Quranic verses we are reading, reciting, or memorizing is one of the most important advantages of studying Tajweed. The Quran was revealed to humanity so that they can grasp it and reflect on it. Tajweed brings you closer to Allah and satisfies the soul. Learning Tajweed will help in understanding the true essence of the Quran and the core meaning of every word. 

6. What Are The Types Of Tajweed?

It is important to keep in mind that there are three main types of Tajweed. These are the three ways in which Quran is to be read:

The first is AT-TAHQEEQ, in this, the Quran is read very slowly with Tajweed. The second is AL-HADR, which is opposite to At-tahqeeq, in this Quran is read quickly with Tajweed. And the last is AT-TADWEER, where the Quran is read with a moderate/average speed with Tajweed. 

7. How Long Is The Process Of Learning Tajweed?

It may take 6 to 9 months to begin the Tajweed classes. However, it unquestionably varies from child to child. This means that if a typical child practices at home for 2 hours a week and attends class regularly, he can acquire the fundamentals of recitation in roughly a year.

Conclusion

By this, we understand that Tajweed is an important part of our religion and it has many benefits along with a strong purpose. The Quran is not just a book, it is a sacred entity for Muslims and they hold it very close to their hearts. The practicing Muslims learn Tajweed and preach it to others with the right meanings. 

Tajweed helps in understanding the Quran properly and this is one of the most important components of our religion. It is not just about reading the Quran but understanding the core idea behind every word is the true achievement. Learning Tajweed should be made compulsory for children at a young age and that’s how they will understand the importance of this concept and it will help them throughout their lives and in a world that’s permanent.