WHAT IS QURAN
Quran is the sacred book revealed to prophet Muhammad ( SAAW) by Allah (God) for all of mankind . It is a book of guidance, the words of Allah were revealed to teach mankind how to live their lives in accordance with the rules and regulations taught by Allah SWT. Quran was revealed and transmitted aurally via angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad (SAAW) peace and blessings upon him. The word Quran comes from the root word Qaraa’a which means to read or recite. Recitation of the Quran is a form of worship.
What is the importance of recitation :
The prophet Muhammad said:
The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Quran will be with the honourable and obedient scribes(angels) and those who find the Quran difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have a double reward. ( Sahih al Bukhari4937)
The prophet Muhammad peace be upon him stressed the importance of receiving blessings through recitation:
“The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Quran and teach it.’ ( Sahih Al- Bukhari 4739)
“Read the Quran for it will come to intercede for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.” ( Sahih Muslim, 804)
DEFINITION OF TAJWEED
Tajweed is a verbal noun from ‘jawwada’ which means to make better, Thto beautify and perfect. Tajweed is the science of Quran , the perfection of recitation based on the aural recitation revealed to prophet Muhammad ( SAAW)
Tajweed is reading each letter correctly by applying the rules in makhaarij ( exit point of a letter) and sifaat(characteristics),in stopping and starting without exaggeration.
In short Tajweed is reading Quran in the best way as taught by prophet SAAW. Tajweed is important as it preserves the science of Quran and prevents it from being altered in meaning and preserves the unique way of recitation.
DO ALL MUSLIMS NEED TO LEARN THE SCIENCE OF TAJWEED
Learning Tajweed has two aspects, learning the theory or learning practically.
Learning theory means having the knowledge and understanding of the rules of Tajweed. It is not an obligation on everyone. As long as a group of muslims learn it to preserve it , it is not an obligation on the masses.
The Practical side is applying the rules in recitation and this is an obligation ( wajib) upon everyone .
Tajweed can be learnt through books but the best method is to learn with a teacher. The student recites and the teacher corrects. Alternatively the teacher recites and the student recites after the teacher.
WHY IS LEARNING TAJWEED IMPORTANT
Allah SWT says in the Quran in Sarah Muazmmil verse 4:
و رتل القران ترتيلا
And recite the Quran with measured recitation.
When we recite and read the Quran slowly we absorb what is being said and it gives us times to ponder on its meaning. Imagine reading any book in general do you read it with super sonic speed. We often hear people say I enjoy reading as the story slowly unfolds keeping the reader engaged.
Quran is a book of guidance if we don’t take lessons of it then we have not benefitted from it. The rhythm , tone , tamper and phonetics of Quran in of itself has immense beauty for the listener too. Retaining the unique method of reading therefore is beneficial on many levels.
In Sahih Bukhari 7527,:
ليس منا من لم يتغن بالقرآن
‘He does not belong to us who does not chant the Quran.’
The melody of the Quran touches our heart and engages not just our brain when we understand the meaning but also our feelings and emotions. The sweetness of Quran enters the heart when we recite slowly.
The Prophet Muhammad said:
“The likeness of a person who reads the Quran and then acts on it, is like a man who has a friend and he tells him to do something. He replies, ‘ I have heard you but I will not do it, while his friend says,’Do it’
Sahih Al-Bukhari 5028)
IS NOT RECITING WITH TAJWEED A SIN
Correct recitation is important and an obligation ( wajib) on everyone. The majority of Tajweed scholars say that it is wajib shar’ee and there are great rewards in applying the rules and if a person fails to apply the rules then they should be punished.
Other Tajweed scholars say it is wajib sina’ee and state that if the muslims at large do not apply the rules of for example madd or idgham, ikhfa etc then they are not sinful. This obligation is for the experts only.
The proof from the Quran to read in a measured way has been mentioned above ( verse 4 of Surah Muzamil)
The proof in Hadith to read with Tajweed , is in the Hadith of Musa Ibn Yazid Al-kindi who said the Ibn Masood corrected the recitation of a man who read ayah 60 of sura tawba without a madd on lilfuqraa-i( انما الصدقت للفقرا والمسكين )
Ibn Masood said this is not how the Prophet (SAAW) recited, he recited with a madd.
HISTORY OF TAJWEED/WHEN DID SCIENCE OF TAJWEED START
The Writing of the science of Tajweed started in the second century. Tajweed started however as a separate science by Abu Muzahem Al- khaaqani in (325H)
VIRTUES OF RECITING QURANs
- QURAN surah Ankabut; verse 45…….Allah SWT teaches us ‘Recite what has been revealed to you of the book and establish prayer.
- QURAN surah Muzammil : verse20…..Allah Swt teaches us ‘ so recite what is easy for you from the Quran”
- HADITH SAHIH … narrated by Uthman bin Affan-The Prophet said, the superior among you are those who learn and teach it’
- SAHIH BUKHARI AND MUSLIM….Abu Musa Al-Ashari said The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said to him ” You have been given a sweet melodious voice out of the sweet voice of Dawud (David).”
- By reciting the Quran you are fulfilling an islamic duty and pleasing Allah Swt.
- Reciting is worship , when you recite in salah (prayers) we are following a command and also sunnah of prophet SAAW.
- As mentioned above Quran is our companion in the grave and the day of judgement and will interceded for its reciters.
- Quran will also be a witness for us.
- The one who recites will be granted high levels in jannah and be with the noble scribes , the angels.
- As stated in the Hadith above the best of people are those who learn and teach it. When we are reciting with other people and learning we are in the company of the righteous and the angels descend and love to listen to the Quran being recited.
- Ramadan is the month of the Quran and reciters try to finish the recitation of the whole Quran many times and rewards are multiplied in Ramadan.
- Recitation of Quran keeps us away from indecency and evil acts because it acts as a deterrent. (Quran 10;57)
- Recitation of Quran is healing and gives us positivity.
- When faced with problems recitation of Quran and its reflection gives peace to the heart.
Make an intention to learn, recite and teach the Quran. Its a beautiful journey once you begin to learn Quran becomes guidance and definitely food for the soul. And most importantly make dua, Ask Allah to facilitate it. When you sincerely ask the doors of guidance and blessings are opened. Even if you read one word a day it is a start . No effort is too small, even a mustard seed of good deed does not go wasted. You never know where one sincere step takes you. Just take action and don’t delay it.
