Tajweed is an Arabic word derived from the verb “Jawwada.” Jawwada means to enhance or make something excellent. In the context of Quranic recitation Tajweed means a set of rules for the correct and accurate pronunciation of words to beautify the recitation. So, it means to improve, perfect or beautify. In other words, Tajweed is made up of the guidelines that help readers pronounce the letters properly. This enables us to preserve the original meaning of the Holy Quran as it should be. There are many websites and online Quran tutors available, through which you can learn Tajweed. However, this article covers the basic Tajweed rules for beginners.
Importance of Tajweed in Quranic Recitation
It is important for the readers to recite the Holy Quran with proper Tajweed, because if due attention is not paid to all Tajweed rules, readers may alter the true meanings through mispronunciation.
“Hazrat Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, ‘The one who is skilled in the recitation of the Quran is with the noble and righteous scribes, and the one who recites it with difficulty and faltering will have double the reward.” – Sahih Muslim
This hadith reinforces the importance of clear and correct pronunciation of the Holy Quran which is actually the aim of Tajweed.
Another Hadith from Sahih Bukhari emphasises the importance of Tajweed and tells the reward of proper recitation:
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever recites the Quran and memorizes it, Allah will place him with the noble and obedient scribes, and if he recites it with difficulty, he will have double the reward.’”
Hence, the importance of Quran Tajweed rules cannot be undermined and it is our important obligation to read the Holy Quran with proper attention and pronunciation as it’s right to. This article entails the basic principles and rules of Tajweed to follow.
Also Read: 10 Benefits of Tajweed Quran Every Muslim Should Know [2025]
Principles and Rules of Tajweed
Tajweed has two important components: principles and rules. Prior to discussing the Quran Tajweed rules it is important to differentiate between the principles of Tajweed and rules of Tajweed.
Tajweed’s Principles are the basic pattern in ensuring that recitation is both accurate and properly articulated. These Principles of Tajweed discuss both the correct pronunciation of letters and the need for articulation and clear identification of each letter. By doing so, the recitation is kept clear and the real meaning of the Holy Quran is preserved.
Whereas, the Rules of Tajweed are the exact instructions for using these principles properly. These rules are like the stretching sounds (Madd), the pronunciation of Noon Sakin or Tanween and how or when to pause correctly during recitation. Following these Tajweed rules helps us ensure that our recitation is done in the appropriate processes to read the Holy Quran.
Principles of Tajweed
As discussed earlier, principles of Tajweed focus on the sound and letters’ accurate pronunciation. Here is the brief detail of the principles of Tajweed.
1. Pronunciation (Makharij – Articulation Points)
The first principle of Tajweed is to pronounce each Arabic letter with its correct pronunciation point (Makhrij). It is important to understand that proper pronunciation means to put each letter in its right place in the mouth, throat or nasal passage. If we do not pronounce these words correctly from their specific place, it can change the meaning of the Holy Quran and this refers to the “sounding mistake.”
For example: The letters “ت” (Tā) and “ط” (Tāʾ) has different pronunciation. It is because of their articulation points which gives them clear, distinct sounds.
2. Attributes of Letters (Sifaat)
Each Arabic letter has its own attributes attached to it which affects its sound. Attributes include the qualities like harshness, softness, heaviness and lightness. Application of the correct attribute while reciting the Holy Quran is very important. This makes sure that these attributes are clear and accurately pronounced.
For example: The letter “ر” (Ra) is a rolled sound, while “ل” (Lam) is a softer sound letter and it is pronounced smoothly without rolling.
3. Stretching (Madd)
The elongation or stretching of certain vowel letters in the Holy Quran are referred as Madd. For how long a letter to be stretched depends upon the specific Tajweed rules. There are different types of stretching (Madd) like natural Madd also called Madd Asli and prolonged Madd also called Madd Far’i.
For example: The word “مَالِكِ” (Mālik) in Surah Al-Fatiha is a natural Madd. Here the sound of “aa” is stretched for two counts only.
4. Noon Sakin and Tanween
Noon Sakin refers to the letter “ن” (Noon). It is pronounced with a slight pause when there is no vowel attached to it. Tanween refers to the “-n” sound at the end of a certain word. These sounds should be pronounced by following the specific rules, and their pronunciation varies when Ikhfaa, Idgham, Iqlab, and Izhaar is used.
For example: In the word “مَنْ” (man), the Noon Sakinah is pronounced clearly as it does not does not get conjoined with the sound of the next letter. However, in the word like “مِنْ” (min), the Noon sound will be changed due to the letter that follows it.
5. Qalqalah (Echoing Sound)
Qalqalah refers to the echo or bouncing sound and is produced when Qutb Jad letters (ق, ط, ب, ج, د) are pronounced with a sukoon (no vowel). These letters produce a slight bouncing sound where there is a pause after them.
For example: The word “قُدْرَة” (qudrah) has a qalqalah sound on the ق (Qaaf). This creates a bouncing sound because there is a pause after Qaaf.
6. Correct Pauses (Waquf)
Waquf refers to the correct pause during recitation. While reciting the Holy Quran it is important to adhere to Waquf guidelines in order to maintain both the meaning and rhythm. Incorrect pauses can lead to misinterpretation or the wrong meanings of the Holy Quran.
For example: In Surah Al-Fatiha, when reciting الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ, there is a natural pause at the end of “الْحَمْدُ” (Al-Hamdu) before continuing with “لِلَّهِ” (lil-Lāh).
Tajweed Rules
1. Noon Sakin and Tanween
As it is explained earlier, Noon Sakin refers to the letter “ن” (Noon) when it carries sukun (no vowels). Tanween refers to the “-n” sound at the end of certain words.
Depending upon the following letters, the pronunciation of Noon Sakin and Tanween changes. The articulation of these is defined by the rules of Ikhfaa, Idgham, Iqlab, and Izhaar.
2. Idgham (Merging)
Idgham occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by specific letters, and the Noon sound is merged into the following letter.
For example: In “مِنْهُمْ” (minhum), the Noon combines with the h sound that follows it, so creates a smoother transition.
3. Iqlab (Conversion)
Iqlab is the conversion of Noon Sakinah into a Meem sound when followed by the letter “ب” (Bā).
For example: In “مِنْ بَعْدِ” (min ba’di), the Noon is converted into a Meem sound because it follows Ba.
4. Ikhfaa (Concealment)
Ikhfaa is when a particular combination of letters follows Noon Sakinah or Tanween, and the Noon is pronounced in a light nasal, neither fully clear nor fully merged.
For example: In the word “مِنْ قَبْلِ” (min qabli), the Noon Sakinah is said with a slight nasal sound. However, this doesn’t blend completely with the next sound of “Qāf.”
5. Qalqalah (Echoing Sound)
Qalqalah is the echoing or bouncing sound produced when the letters ق, ط, ب, ج, د (Qutb Jad letters) are pronounced with sukoon (no vowel). When these letters are followed by a pause, they produce a slight bouncing effect.
For example: The word “قُدْرَة” (qudrah) has an echoing sound on the Qaaf when it’s followed by a pause.
6. Madd (Stretching the Sound)
Madd in the Quranic description refers to the act of lengthening or stretching of syllabic vowels. The level of stretching is controlled by the applicable guidelines and the type of Madd at stake.
Madd Asli: The natural elongation of sounds, usually for two counts.
Madd Far’i: This is stretching sounds in a certain way based on the guidelines that change depending on the situation..
For example: The word “مَالِكِ” (Mālik) in Surah Al-Fatiha requires a natural Madd which makes the “aa” two counts long.
7. Meem Sakinah
Meem Sakinah refers to the letter “م” (Meem) with sukoon (no vowel). The pronunciation of this sound is subject to some rules, which depend on the following letter.
For example: When Meem Sakinah is followed by a Meem or Bā, it is pronounced with nasal sound (Ghunnah).
Also Read: Is Tajweed Obligatory/Fard?
Tajweed Mistakes to Avoid
- Pay special attention when reading the confusing, similar-sounding letters like ث / س / ص or د / ت.
- Avoid ignoring the proper articulation points (Makharij) of letters.
- Do not skip rules like Qalqalah, Madd, or Ghunna.
- Be careful not to misapplying Noon Sakin and Tanween rules (e.g., mixing up Ikhfaa and Idgham).
- A common mistake is to pause at incorrect places (Waquf) which can change the meaning.
- Give special attention to the attributes (Sifaat) like heaviness or lightness of letters.
- Do not neglect nasal sounds (Ghunna) in Meem and Noon.
- While reciting the Holy Quran, avoid overstretching or under-stretching vowels that should follow Madd rules.
- Gap in regular practice can make the reader simply forget or apply Tajweed rules inconsistently.
- Do not just focus on learning the Tajweed rules, instead listening to the proper recitation is equally important for understanding the actual pronunciation.
Final Thoughts
Quran Tajweed rules are not only just the rules – they are the means to connect with the Holy Quran more deeply by understanding each word with care. This is how we preserve beauty, meaning and sound. Understanding of the basic rules of Tajweed and their proper application can help beginners to read the Holy Quran with proper precision and, and truly honour the essence of the Holy Quran.
If you are a beginner and looking to begin Tajweed rules or want to strengthen your Tajweed learning journey, explore our resources and register for our online Tajweed course. To understand the basic rules of Tajweed, or want to learn more about Tajweed, visit our Tajweed blog for helpful guidance and learning tips.
