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May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you
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Six Kalima in Arabic and English text
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Darood Sharif Collection
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The Importance of Tajweed

May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you.

Bismillahhir rahmanir rahim:
بِسْــــــــــــــــــمِ اﷲِالرَّحْمَنِ اارَّحِيم
In the name of Allah, the beneficient, the merciful.

اَهْلاًوَسَهْلاً (ahlan wa sahlan)

How are all you wonderful people? I trust I am finding you enjoying this lovely day wherever you are 🙂

A little something which is on my mind today:

Use these sunnah words during the day. How many of us know the following terms and its meanings?

  • Assalaamu Álaykum (Peace be upon you) – by way of greetings
  • Wa alaykumus salaam (peace be upon you) – in reply to the greetings
  • Bismillah (in the name of Allah) – before making a beginning
  • Jazakallah (may Allah reward you) – for expression of thanks
  • Fi Amanullah (may Allah protect you) – by way of saying good-bye
  • Subhaanallah (glory be to Allah) – for praising something
  • Insha Allah (if Allah wishes) – for expressing a desire to do something
  • Astaghfirullah (I beg Allah for forgiveness) – repenting for sins before Allah
  • Maa shaa Allah (as Allah has willed) – for expressing appreciation of something good
  • Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah) – for showing gratitude to Allah after success or even after completing anything
  • Yaa Allah (Oh Allah) – when in pain or distress, calling upon Allah and none else
  • Aameen (may it be so) – the end of a Dua or prayerInnaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon (to Allah we belong and to Him is our return) – this is uttered as an expression of sympathy of the news of some loss or some one’s death
  • As salamu aleiykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh -Peace and mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you
  • Waleiykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh-And peace and mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you
  • Bismillah – before making a beginning In the name of Allah
  • May Allah reward you – JazakAllahu khair for _expression of thanks May Allah reward you for the good
  • BarakAllahu feekum – responding to someone’s thanks May Allah bless you
  • Astaghfirullah – repenting for sins before Allah I beg Allah for forgiveness
  • Aameen – the end of a Dua or prayer May it be so
  • Sal allahu aleihi wasallam – whenever say the name of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him (S.A.W.)
  • Alaihi salaam – whenever say the name of a prophet Peace be upon him (A.S.)
  • Radi Allah Anhu – whenever say name of male companion of the Prophet (Sahabi) May Allah be pleased with him (R.A.)
  • Radi Allah Anha – whenever say name of female companion of the Prophet May Allah be pleased with her (R.A.)
  • Radi Allah Anhum – Plural form of saying companions of the Prophet May Allah be pleased with them (R.A.)
  • La hawla wala quwata illah billah – during the time of troubles There is no strength nor power except Allah
  • Fi sabi lillah – giving charity For the sake of Allah
  • “Tawakkal-tu-Allah – rely on Allah) to solve a problem
  • Tawkkalna-Alai-Allah – we have put our trust in Allah) when you wait for a problem to be solved.
  • Rahmah Allah – Allah have Mercy on him) when you see someone in distress.
  • Na’uzhu-bi-Allah – when we seek refuge in Allah) to show your dislike.
  • Inna Lillah – we are for Allah – when you hear about a death
  • Atqaa Allah -fear Allah – when you see someone doing a bad deed.
  • Allahu Yahdika – may Allah guide you – to forbid somebody to do something indecent.
  • Hayyak Allah – (Allah maintain your life) when you greet someone.
  • Allah Aalam – (Allah knows best) when you say something you are not sure of.
  • Tabarak Allah – (blessed be Allah) when you hear a good news
  • Hasbi Allah – (Allah will suffice me) when you are in a difficult situation.
  • Azhak Allah Sinnaka – (May Allah keep you cheerful) when you seek another Muslim with cheerful countenance.

“By Time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.”
[Qur’an, Al-Asr 103]

All praise is to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. We ask His forgiveness, seek His aid, and ask Him for guidance. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil that is in ourselves, and from the evil of our actions. Whomever Allah guides, none can send astray, and whomever Allah sends astray, none can guide. We testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone and without partner. And, we testify that Muhammad (saws) is His slave and messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, his family, his companions and the rightly guided predecessors until the Last Day. Ameen.

Six Kalima in Arabic and English text

The Six Kalimas are six brief, concise phrases that summarize the core beliefs of Islam. They serve as statements of faith and are often recited by Muslims as a form of remembrance, reflection, and spiritual practice. Each Kalima emphasizes fundamental aspects of Islamic theology and belief. Here are the Six Kalimas:

  1. First Kalima (Kalima Tayyabah):
    • La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah
    • Translation: There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
  2. Second Kalima (Kalima Shahadah):
    • Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu
    • Translation: I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
  3. Third Kalima (Kalima Tamjeed):
    • Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wala ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar, wala hawla wala quwwata illa billahil ‘aliyyil ‘azim
    • Translation: Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. There is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
  4. Fourth Kalima (Kalima Tawheed):
    • La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir
    • Translation: There is no god but Allah, He is alone, He has no partner, to Him belongs the sovereignty and to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over everything.
  5. Fifth Kalima (Kalima Astaghfar):
    • Astaghfirullah Rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilaih
    • Translation: I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for every sin and I turn to Him in repentance.
  6. Sixth Kalima (Kalima Radde Kufr):
    • Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min an ushrika bika shay’an wa ana a’lamu bihi, subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin
    • Translation: O Allah! I seek refuge in You from knowingly associating anything with You, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know. Verily, I was one of the wrongdoers.

These Six Kalimas encapsulate the key principles of Islamic faith, including the belief in the oneness of Allah, the prophethood of Muhammad, repentance, seeking forgiveness, and seeking refuge from associating partners with Allah. They are important for Muslims to learn and recite as part of their spiritual practice and devotion.

 

The six Kalmas or Kalimas in Islam are integral to the Islamic faith. These Kalmas highlight Islam’s primary and most essential principles that form the core of the religion. The second Kalmah, Kalma-e-Shahadat, is so essential that it must be recited to become a Muslim. Here is a brief explanation of the 6 Kalmas:

  • The First Kalma (Tayyab) reinforces the fundamental belief required by a Muslim to be a true believer, i.e., the Oneness of Allah.
  • The Second Kalma (Shahadat) testifies that a Muslim believes in the Oneness of Allah and that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is His last Messenger.
  • The Third Kalma (Tamjeed) narrates the glorification of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
  • The Fourth Kalma (Tauheed) strengthens faith in the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
  • The Fifth Kalma (Astaghfaar) asks for repentance and forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
  • The Sixth Kalma (Radd-e-Kufr) discards disbelief and submits completely to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).

First Kalma Second Kalma Third Kalma Fourth Kalma Fifth Kalma Six Kalma

 

 Kalima in Arabic with Urdu Text

Kalma-in-Arabic

 

Six Kalimas in English Tajveed

1) Kalma Tayyab: Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah

2) Kalma Shaadat: Ashahado An Laa ilaaha illal Laho Wahdahoo Laa Shareeka Lahoo Wa Ash Hado Anna Mohammadan Abdo Hoo Wa Rasoolohoo.

3) Kalma Tamjeed: Subhanallahe Wal Hamdulillahe Wa Laa ilaha illal Laho Wallahooakbar. Wala Haola Wala Quwwata illa billahil AliYil Azeem.

4) Kalma Tauheed: Laa ilaha illal Lahoo Wahdahoo Laa Shareekalahoo Lahul Mulko Walahul Hamdo Yuhee Wa Yumeeto Wa Hoa Haiy Yul La Yamooto Abadan Abada Zul Jalali Wal ikraam Beyadihil Khair. Wa hoa Ala Kulli Shai In Qadeer.

5) Kalma Astaghfar: Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kullay Zambin Aznabtuho Amadan Ao Khat An Sirran Ao Alaniatan Wa Atoobo ilaihe Minaz Zambil Lazee Aalamo Wa Minaz Zambil Lazee La Aalamo innaka Anta Allamul Ghuyoobi Wa Sattaarul Oyobi Wa Ghaffaruz Zunoobi Wala Haola Wala Quwwata illa billahil AliYil Azeem.

6) Kalma Radde Kufr: Allah Humma inni Aaoozubika Min An Oshrika Beka Shai Aown Wa Anaa Aalamo Behi Wa Astaghfiroka Lima laa Aalamo Behi Tubtu Anho Wa Tabarrato Minal Kufri Washshirki Wal Kizbi Wal Jheebati Wal Bidaati Wan Nameemati Wal Fawahishi Wal Bohtani Wal Maasi Kulliha Wa Aslamtoo Wa Aamantoo Wa Aqoolo Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah.

 The Ideal Times to Recite the 6 Kalmas

Reciting and implementing the teachings of the six Kalmas in our daily lives is the key to gaining their true benefits. We should make it a habit to recite these Kalmas regularly and after each namaz:

  • Kalma Tayyab: Reciting this Kalma after each prayer helps strengthen faith.
  • Kalma Shahadat: Reciting this Kalma daily increases faith and ensures that the reciter will die on faith. It is also recited for accepting Islam.
  • Kalma Tamjeed: This Kalma is often recited during Tasbih namaz for the fulfillment of duas, increase in wealth, destruction of enemies, and request for Jannah in the Hereafter.
  • Kalma Tauheed: Reciting this Kalma daily after prayers keeps one safe from shirk and external attacks on faith.
  • Kalma Astaghfaar: This Kalma is beneficial for asking for forgiveness for all major and minor sins. It is recited as a Tasbih or after obligatory prayers.
  • Kalma Radd-e-Kufr: Reciting this Kalma daily keeps one safe from disobedience, adultery, shirk, and external attacks on faith. It is also recited for forgiveness of sins.

 

Darood Sharif Collection

Darood Sharif, also known as Salawat or Salat ala Nabi, refers to the blessings and salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It’s a form of prayer in which Muslims invoke blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad. There are numerous variations of Darood Sharif, each with its unique wording and emphasis. Here is a collection of some commonly recited Darood Sharif:

  1. Darood Ibrahim:
    • Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ala Ibrahima wa ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid.
    • Translation: O Allah! Shower Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You showered Your blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.
  2. Darood e Taj:
    • Allahumma salli ala sayyidina Muhammadin al-fatihi lima Ughliq, wal khatimi lima sabaq, nasiril haqqi bil haqqi, wal hadi ila siratikal mustaqim, wa ala alihi haqqa qadrihi wa miqdarihil azim.
    • Translation: O Allah! Bestow blessings upon our master Muhammad, the opener of what was closed, the seal of what has preceded, the helper of the truth with the truth, the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family according to his immense position and grandeur.
  3. Darood e Tanjeena:
    • Allahumma salli ala sayyidina Muhammadin salatan tadum wa tughda ilaih, mamarr al layali wa tul ad-dawam.
    • Translation: O Allah! Bestow blessings upon our master Muhammad, blessings that continue and bring us closer to him, for all the nights and days.
  4. Darood e Mahi:
    • Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhurriyyatihi kama sallaita ala Ibrahima, wa barik ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhurriyyatihi kama barakta ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid.
    • Translation: O Allah! Shower Your blessings upon Muhammad, his wives, and his descendants, as You showered Your blessings upon Ibrahim. And bless Muhammad and his wives and descendants, as You blessed Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.
  5. Darood e Nariyah:
    • Allahumma salli ala sayyidina Muhammadin abdika wa rasulika, annabiyyil ummiyyi, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi wa sallim.
    • Translation: O Allah! Bestow blessings upon our master Muhammad, Your servant and Your Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, and upon his family and companions, and grant them peace.

These are just a few examples of Darood Sharif, and there are many more variations that are recited by Muslims around the world as a means of seeking blessings and closeness to the Prophet Muhammad.

Darood Sharif in Arabic

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.

Transliteration

Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ala ali Muhammadin kama sallaita ala Ibraheema wa ala ali Ibraheema innaka Hameedum Majeed.

Allahumma barik ala Muhammadin wa ala ali Muhammadin kama barakta ala Ibraheema wa ala ali Ibraheema innaka Hameedum Majeed.

Durood Sharif in English

O Allah! Send mercy upon Muhammad (SAWW) and Muhammad’s family, just as You have bestowed mercy on Ibrahim and Ibrahim’s family. Indeed, you are praiseworthy, most glorious.

O Allah! Send blessings upon Muhammad and Muhammad’s family as you have blessed Ibrahim and Ibrahim’s family. Verily you are praiseworthy, most glorious.

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The Importance of Tajweed

Listening to the Qur’an being recited correctly is enough to soften even the hardest of hearts and Muslims and non-Muslims alike find it a deeply moving experience even if they do not understand what is being said. We feel this even more in Ramadaan when we are in the Taraweeh prayers and we can really feel the difference if we go to a Masjid where the Tajweed rules of Qur’an recitation are not being observed as they should. Every single Muslim has to recite Qur’an in Salah but many of us do not realise that reciting the Qur’an correctly, observing the rules of recitation is not an advanced science for expert reciters alone, rather it is an obligation upon each and every one of us whenever we recite the Qur’an.

What is Tajweed

The word Tajweed linguistically means ‘proficiency’ or ‘doing something well’. It comes from the same root letters as the word ‘Jayyid’ in Arabic (meaning ‘good’): Jeem, Waw and Daal. When applied to the Qur’an, it means giving every letter of the Qur’an its rights and dues of characteristics when we recite the Qur’an and observing the rules that apply to those letters in different situations. We give the letters their rights by observing the essential characteristics of each letter that never leave it. And we give them their dues by observing the characteristics of each letter that are present in them some of the time and not present at other times.

The Qur’an was revealed with Tajweed rules applied to it. In other words, when the angel Jibreel (alaihis salaam) recited the words of Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) he recited them in a certain way and he showed the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) the ways in which it was permissible to recite the Qur’an. So it is upon us to observe those rules so that we recite it in the way it was revealed.

At the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) there was no need for people to study Tajweed because they talked with what is now known as Tajweed so it was natural for them. When the Arabs started mixing with the non-Arabs as Islam spread, mistakes in Qur’an recitation started appearing, so the scholars had to record the rules. Now, because the everyday Arabic that Arabs speak has changed so much from the Classical Arabic with which the Qur’an was revealed, even Arabs have to study Tajweed.

The purpose of Tajweed

The Qur’an is the word of Allah, and its every syllable is from Allah. Its recitation must be taken very seriously. The purpose of the Science of Tajweed in essence is to make the reciter proficient in reciting the Qur’an, observing the correct pronunciation of every letter with the rulings and characteristics which apply to each letter, without any exaggeration or deficiency. And so through this the reciter can recite the Qur’an upon the way of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) who received it from Jibreel who received it from Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) in the Classical Arabic dialect that it came down in.

Arabic letters each have a Makhraj – an exit or articulation point – in the mouth or throat from which they originate and they also each have Sifaat – attributes, or characteristics – particular to them. Knowing the Makhraj and Sifaat of each letter is an important part of Tajweed. Sometimes two letters have very similar exits which makes mixing them up easy. So if a person does not know the attributes of each letter there is a danger that he will change the meaning of the words in Qur’an recitation. Observing the rules of Tajweed in reciting protects the reciter from making mistakes in reciting the Qur’an.

The ruling of reading with Tajweed

Muhammad bin Al-Jazaree the great Qur’an and Hadeeth scholar of the 9th Century (Hijri) says in his famous poem detailing the rules of Tajweed:

“And applying Tajweed is an issue of absolute necessity, Whoever doesn’t apply Tajweed to the Qur’an, then a sinner is he.”

Sheikh Zakariyyaa Al-Ansari [died in 926 H.] said in explanation of this verse in his book: Sharh al-Muqaddimah al-Jazariyyaa

“It is required to observe all of the Arabic rules in that which changes it and ruins the meaning”.

So he regarded it as an obligation to keep away from the major mistakes in reciting the Qur’an.

The scholars have divided the types of mistakes one might fall into when reciting the Qur’an into two types:

1. Clear mistakes: which usually change obvious things and change the meaning.

2. Unobvious (hidden) mistakes: for which one may need to study Tajweed rules.

And the majority of scholars agree that applying the Tajweed rules of Qur’an such that the Clear Mistakes are avoided is an individual obligation (Fard ‘Ayn) upon every Muslim who has memorised part of or all of the Qur’an. As for applying all of the rules of Tajweed and avoiding the Unobvious mistakes then it is (Fard Kifaayah) upon the Muslim ummah. That is, there must be some students of knowledge who have knowledge of that. This is because the Qur’an was revealed with the Tajweed rules applied to it and the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) recited it back to Jibreel in that way and the Companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) read it in that way, so it is an established Sunnah.

The Clear mistakes must be avoided by all and to avoid them one must memorise and read attentively and have knowledge of some basic aspects of Tajweed. If a person falls into the Clear Mistakes, this is considered a sin and Ibn Taymiyyah even regarded it undesirable for a Student of Knowledge (i.e. someone who knows Tajweed) to pray behind a person who makes Clear Mistakes in their Salaah. As for the Unobvious mistakes, then the ruling on them is lighter and the recitation of a person falling into this type of mistake is regarded as lacking in completeness but prayer behind such a person is sound.

The List below shows what type of mistakes fall under each category.

Clear mistakes

Mistakes in words which are clear and inconspicuous, usually changing the meaning. Mistakes related to correct pronunciation of letters so that letters are not mixed up. Scholars, and the ordinary Muslims should avoid these.

Examples of Clear mistakes:

• Changing one letter into another, or a short vowel (harakah) into another, (changing Fathah into Damma or the letter Qaaf into Kaaf etc)

• Not observing the elongations (Madd) at all. Reciting them quickly as if there is no Madd so that they turn into the length of a vowel.

• Making a madd letter out of a normal harakah.

• Stopping or starting at an incorrect place so that the meaning is spoilt. Like stopping at ‘Laa ilaaha’ (There is no God), without completing ‘illallaah’ (except Allah).

Unobvious mistakes

Mistakes which are to do with perfecting pronunciation and are not obvious. Known only by those who have studied Tajweed rules or experts in this field. Ordinary Muslims may not know these or perceive these as mistakes.

Examples of Unobvious mistakes:

• Not being totally exact with the elongation of letters: (Making the Madd shorter or longer by a 1/2 or even 1/4 degree etc.)

• Not observing the attributes of each letter perfectly: (Slightly rolling the Raa’, or exaggerating the ‘N’ sound in Noon etc.)

• Not observing the rules with which to pronounce letters when they are next to each other (like not merging certain letters that should be merged (idghaam) and not clearly pronouncing those which should be clearly pronounced (ith-haar) etc.)

• Making light letters sound heavy and heavy letters sound light (Except if by doing this you change a letter into another; in this case it would be an obvious mistake.)

And of the proofs that the scholars bring to show the obligation of Tajweed and that it is an established Sunnah is that Allah says in the Qur’an, the meaning of which is:

‘And recite the Qur’an (aloud) in a (slow and melodious) style (tarteela)’ (Surah Muzzammil, aayah 4)

Ali ibn Abi Talib (radi Allahu ‘anhu) said in the explanation of this aayah:

“at-Tarteel is Tajweed of the letters and knowing where to stop (correctly)”.

And of the proofs also is that Allah says in the Qur’an, the meaning of which is:

‘Those who We have given the Book to, give it its right in recitation ( recite it as it should be recited)’ (Surah al-Baqarah, aayah 121)

And of the rights of reciting correctly is reciting it the way it was revealed.

There are various ahadeeth also showing us the importance of Tajweed.

Umm Salamah was asked about the recitation of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) and she described it as a recitation ‘clearly-distinguished letter by letter’.

Sa’eed bin Mansoor relates in his Sunan that a man was reciting the Qur’an to Abdullah bin Mas’ood and he recited
“Innamas sadaqaatu lil fuqara-i wal masaakeen”, so Ibn mas’ood said: “This was not how the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) recited it to me!” So the man asked,
“How did he read it to you oh Aba Abdir-Rahman?” So he said “Lil Fuqaraaaa-i wal masaakeen”, he elongated the word Fuqaraa and the knowledge of the different lengths of elongation (mudood) is also from the rules of Tajweed.

Reciting the Qur’an melodiously

1. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to recite the Qur’an in slow, measured, rhythmic tones as Allah had instructed him, not hurriedly, but rather “he would recite a surah in such slow rhythmic tones that it would be longer than it would seem possible.”

2. He would stop at the end of each aayah.

3. He commanded people to recite in a beautiful voice in a pleasant melodious tone. He said “Beautify the Qur’an with your voices [for a fine voice increases the Qur’an in beauty]”
and he said

4. ” He who does not recite the Qur’an in a pleasant tone is not of us.” Unfortunately all to often we find people reciting the Qur’an quickly and without changing their tone and without any feeling.

5. We should put all our efforts into reciting the Qur’an with as much feeling as we can! Have you ever prayed behind an Imam who read with feeling? Well the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said “Truly the one who has one of the finest voices among the people for reciting the Qur’an is the one whom you think fears Allah when you hear him recite.”

6. And once when the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) complimented Abu Moosaa al-Ash’ari on the beauty of his recitation, Abu Moosaa said “Had I known you were there, I would have made my voice more pleasant and emotional for you.”

Let us remember, that the Qur’an is the word of Allah. In it we find exhortations, warnings, glad-tidings, parables, stories of the past, commands and prohibitions. Aayaat to make us think, reflect, cry, fear, hope, love, fall down in prostration! How can we recite all of this without feeling!? When we recite an aayah of Qur’an we should imagine that we are trying to feel and convey the full message behind that aayah. Perhaps some of us don’t feel confident. I believe that this lack of confidence comes partly from not knowing the rules of Tajweed correctly and so fearing that we will make mistakes and partly from not understanding the meaning of what we are reciting. So let us work hard to remove these two obstacles by learning Tajweed and working towards learning Arabic.

Helpful Tips towards learning Tajweed

• You must find a Qur’an teacher who has studied Tajweed to listen to your recitation and correct you. Tajweed cannot merely be learnt from books, because the movements of your mouth as well as the sounds are important and only a teacher can correct you and make sure you are applying the rules correctly. Sometimes local Mosques will run classes. Qur’an recitation is a science which was passed down generation by generation through teachers not just books, with a direct line to the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam)

• Find a book containing the rules of Tajweed and learn each rule little by little, applying it as you go along with the help of your teacher. There are many concise Arabic books and in English there are some books as well as tapes to help. Look for books with some drawings showing you how to pronounce each letter.

• Listen to Qur’an tapes of reciters who recite very clearly, at a medium or slow speed (like Sheikh Hudhaify or Sheikh Muhammad Hosary) and try and notice them applying the different rules of Tajweed. Repeat after them while trying to apply the rules you’ve learnt. Try to copy their tone and melody as well and see how it changes as the meaning of what they’re reciting changes.

• Tajweed website: There is an excellent Tajweed website I came across in English which details many aspects of Tajweed in a very clear way including a Question and Answer section:
http://www.abouttajweed.com

• Tajweed Mus-haf: You can get a new Mus-haf (copy of the Qur’an), called Mus-haf at-Tajweed, which has the rules of Tajweed incorporated in the text of the Qur’an in colour coding! This is very helpful as it prompts you as you go along. There is also a computer program you can buy with it which highlights Tajweed rules with recitation.

• Tajweed Poem: If you know Arabic you could memorise Ibn al-Jazaree’s poem which contains all the rules of Tajweed. You can get the poem on tape sung as a nasheed in Arab countries. You might find memorising the rules easy in this way.

• Try and apply the rules you learn to the Surahs you have already memorised and don’t become lazy about reciting correctly. You might have to revise the surahs by looking back at them.

• Practice and repetition will make perfect insha Allah: As Ibn al-Jazaree says in his poem about acquiring Tajweed:
‘And there is no obstacle between it (learning Tajweed) and leaving it, Except that a person must exercise his mouth with it!’

May Allah help us all to give His Book its right when we recite it and make reciting it more beloved to our tongues than anything else. Aameen.

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