In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful,

Praise be to Allah, and may the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon the Noble Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

Tajweed, a science of the Quran that deals with learning the proper pronunciation and articulation of the Quranic text, is of immense importance in Islam. It is an essential aspect of reciting the Quran with precision and reverence. The significance of Tajweed is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and is supported by various Hadith, one of which is the Hadith that talks about beautifying the Quran with one’s voice, found in Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Hadith 1764. In this Hadith, it is narrated that Abu Huraira reported the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as saying, “He who does not recite the Qur’an in a pleasant tone is not of us.”

This Hadith highlights the significance of reciting the Quran in a beautiful and pleasant manner. It encourages Muslims to not only understand and reflect upon the Quran’s message but also to recite it with a melodious and heartfelt tone, thus adding beauty to its recitation. In a Hadith narrated by Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), mentions that the Prophet said, “Do not speak in the prayer as you speak within yourselves, nor do you recite the Quran as you recite poetry. Instead, say ‘glory be to Allah, purer is He from what they ascribe to Him. For indeed Allah listens intently to you when you recite the Quran, similar to what the Prophet (peace be upon him) said in another Hadith: ‘Allah does not listen intently to anything as He listens to the recitation of a prophet who recites well with a pleasant voice.'”

This hadith emphasizes the importance of reciting the Quran with Tajweed, especially during the prayer. It also highlights the significance of the recitation of the Quran as a means of connecting with Allah. However, it’s important to note that while this particular hadith emphasizes the beauty of the recitation, it’s essential to understand the Quran’s meaning and act upon its teachings.

Tajweed is crucial as it ensures the accurate recitation of the words of Allah, thereby preserving the authenticity and integrity of the Quran. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of reciting the Quran proficiently, as narrated in a hadith: “The one who was devoted to the Quran will be told on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite.” (Abu Dawood)

Moreover, Tajweed is vital for maintaining the original message and eloquence of the Quran, as the Quran was revealed with specific pronunciation and intonation. By learning Tajweed, Muslims fulfill their obligation to recite the Quran as it was revealed, showing respect and devotion to the divine message.

Furthermore, learning  and reciting the Quran with Tajweed fosters a deep spiritual connection with the Quran, allowing individuals to experience the profound beauty and impact of its verses. It also enables us to engage in Salah (prayer) with enhanced mindfulness and humility.

In conclusion, the importance of learning Tajweed in Islam cannot be overstated. It is a means to uphold the sanctity of the Quran, connect with its divine message, and fulfill the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

✍🏻Mutmainnah AbdulFattah (Ummu Zahrah)
Mu’allimah at Al-waduud Institute