Tajweed means reciting every letter of the Quran correctly, with its proper sound and qualities. This guide explains the main rules every beginner learns first. Reading it helps, but Tajweed is learnt by listening and repeating, so practise each rule with a teacher.
1. Makharij: Where Letters Come From
Every Arabic letter has a point of articulation (makhraj). The five main areas are the empty space of the mouth and throat, the throat, the tongue, the lips and the nose. Learning makharij is the foundation for everything else.
2. Rules of Noon Sakinah and Tanween
Noon sakinah (نْ) and tanween (ـً ـٍ ـٌ) follow four rules depending on the next letter.
| Rule | Letters | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Izhar (clear) | ء ه ع ح غ خ | Pronounce the noon clearly, no ghunnah |
| Idgham (merging) | ي ر م ل و ن | Merge into the next letter; with ghunnah for ي ن م و, without for ل ر |
| Iqlab (changing) | ب | Change the noon sound to a hidden meem with ghunnah |
| Ikhfa (hiding) | The remaining 15 letters | Hide the noon with a light ghunnah |
3. Rules of Meem Sakinah
| Rule | Letter | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Ikhfa Shafawi | ب | Hide the meem with ghunnah, lips lightly closed |
| Idgham Shafawi | م | Merge into the next meem with ghunnah |
| Izhar Shafawi | All other letters | Pronounce the meem clearly |
4. Ghunnah
Ghunnah is a nasal sound from the nose. It is held for about two counts on a noon or meem with shaddah (نّ مّ).
5. Qalqalah
Qalqalah is a slight echo or bounce on five letters when they carry sukoon: ق ط ب ج د. It is stronger when you stop on the letter at the end of a verse.
6. Madd: Stretching the Sound
Madd letters are alif, waw and ya. The natural madd is held for two counts. Other types of madd are longer, usually 4, 5 or 6 counts, depending on what follows.
Ready to practise with a teacher? Join our online Tajweed classes, or start with Noorani Qaida online classes if you are still learning the letters.