An Introductory Guide to Tajweed Rules

The Holy Qu’ran, Allah’s final revelation, serves as a beacon of guidance and knowledge for humanity.

From the moment of its divine revelation, and by Allah’s grace, this boundless source has remained untouched, both in its profound meanings and even its subtlest letters and vocalization signs.

Allah has ensured its preservation through the ages and generations:

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian. (15:9)

The enduring preservation of the Holy Qu’ran has manifested in two distinct ways:

1. Written preservation
2. Oral preservation

The latter, which is our primary focus, pertains to the meticulous manner in which the Holy Qu’ran has been recited and transmitted.

In this light, the Holy Quran reached us through trustworthy transmission chains, originating from Allah’s Prophet (peace be upon him) and tracing back to Allah Himself.

These chains ensure a consistent Qur’anic reading from the earliest transmitters to the most recent.

In time, scholars established a comprehensive set of rules to facilitate accurate Qur’anic recitation, best learned under the tutelage of a proficient teacher.

Historical Insight:

Following the demise of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Caliph Abu Bakr undertook the task of consolidating the scattered Qur’anic revelations.

The Quranic text, initially inscribed on various leaves (sahîfa), underwent verification by the Prophet’s companions at Abu Bakr’s directive. This initial compilation eventually became known as the ‘mushaf’, signifying the assembled leaves bearing the Holy Qu’ran’s verses.

Hence, the term ‘mushaf’ refers to the bound compilation of the Qu’ranic verses.

It’s more accurate to say, “I read from the mushaf” or “I recite the Qu’ran,” rather than “I read the mushaf” or “I read my little Qu’ran”.