7 Hadith about Tajweed: the importance of Tajweed

Tajweed is the science of Qur’anic recitation, ensuring the words of Allah are pronounced accurately and beautifully. It preserves the Qur’an’s meaning, enhances understanding, and reflects reverence for the sacred text.

While there are no direct hadiths that specifically mention tajweed (the science of Qur’anic recitation) by name, there are several hadiths and Qur’anic verses that emphasize the importance of proper recitation and the care with which one should approach the Qur’an.

These form the foundation for the importance of tajweed in Islamic tradition. Here are seven relevant sayings and principles derived from the Sunnah and the Quran.

1.Implementing the Quranic Teachings:

It’s narrated that Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh ) said:“The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4739).

Detailed Explanation:

This hadith establishes the Quran as the central guide for a Muslim’s life and highlights two critical responsibilities:

• Learning the Quran:
• Learning encompasses proper recitation (tajweed), understanding its meanings (tafsir), and implementing its teachings.
• The Quran is a source of divine wisdom and moral guidance. By learning it, a Muslim strengthens their relationship with Allah and gains clarity on the purpose of life.
• Teaching the Quran:
• Teaching ensures that the Quran’s teachings are preserved and passed on to future generations.
• Teaching is an act of charity (sadaqah jariyah), where the rewards continue as long as the knowledge benefits others.
• Practical Application:
• Parents teaching their children to recite and understand the Quran.
• Scholars and teachers dedicating their lives to spreading Quranic knowledge.
• Encouraging community classes and study groups to engage with the Quran.

2.Seeking Blessings through Recitation:

It’s narrated that Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh ) said: “Read the Qur’an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection” (Sahih Muslim 804).

Detailed Explanation:

This hadith underlines the spiritual benefits of Quranic recitation.

• Blessings in This Life:
• The act of reciting the Quran strengthens the heart and provides solace in times of difficulty.
• It builds a connection with Allah and increases one’s awareness of His presence.
• Intercession on the Day of Judgment:
• It’s narrated that Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh ) said:
• The Quran will act as a shield for those who recited it regularly and sincerely.
• It will plead with Allah to forgive and elevate its reciters in the Hereafter.
• Memorization and Habitual Recitation:
• Those who not only recite but memorize and act upon the Quran earn a higher status in the sight of Allah.
• Practical Application:
• Setting aside time daily for Quranic recitation.
• Memorizing chapters and supplications (du’as) for regular recitation.
• Encouraging families and children to develop a habit of reading the Quran.

3.Learning and Teaching the Quran:

It’s narrated that Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh ) said: “The best of you is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches it” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027).

Detailed Explanation:

This hadith reiterates the dual responsibility of learning and teaching.

• Excellence in Islam:
• It defines the “best” as those engaged with the Quran, highlighting its significance over worldly pursuits.
• It encourages believers to prioritize Islamic education and self-improvement.
• Community Building:
• Teaching the Quran builds a knowledgeable and spiritually connected community.
• It ensures that the divine message remains unaltered and is conveyed authentically.
• Practical Application:
• Volunteering to teach Quran in local mosques or Islamic centers.
• Organizing online classes for Quranic studies to reach a broader audience.
• Continuously seeking knowledge to improve personal understanding and teaching methods.

4.Reflecting Upon the Quran:

“The likeness of a person who reads the Qur’an and then acts on it, is like a man who has a friend and he tells him to do something. He replies, ‘I have heard you but I will not do it,’ while his friend says, ‘Do it!’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5028).

Detailed Explanation:

This hadith emphasizes the futility of reciting the Quran without implementing its teachings.

• Acting on the Quran:
• The Quran’s purpose is to guide humanity in all aspects of life—spiritual, moral, social, and personal.
• Without acting on its teachings, recitation alone becomes an empty ritual.
• Avoiding Hypocrisy:
• The Quran warns against those who claim to believe but fail to act accordingly (Surah As-Saff, 61:2-3).
• Implementing the Quran ensures sincerity in faith and action.
• Reflection and Application:
• Muslims are encouraged to reflect on the Quran’s verses, seeking deeper understanding and applying them to real-life situations.
• Practical Application:
• Reading tafsir (interpretation) alongside recitation to understand the context and meaning of verses.
• Evaluating one’s daily actions in light of Quranic teachings.
• Using the Quran as a moral compass for decision-making.

5.Beautifying Recitation:

It’s narrated that Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh ) said: “Beautify the Qur’an with your voices.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawood 1468)

Explanation:

• This hadith encourages Muslims to recite the Quran melodiously and with proper tajweed.
• Beautifying the Quran honors its sanctity and ensures its message is conveyed as intended by Allah.
• Importance of Tajweed:
• Tajweed rules preserve the correct pronunciation, grammar, and rhythm of the Quran.
• Mispronunciation may alter the meaning of the words, leading to misunderstanding.

6.The Elevated Status of Proper Recitation:

“The one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 4937)

Explanation:

• Reciting the Quran fluently and with tajweed elevates a believer’s rank in the Hereafter.
• Mastery of tajweed demonstrates dedication to preserving Allah’s words.
• Significance:
• Precise recitation ensures the divine message is conveyed accurately.
• Tajweed connects reciters to the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.

7.Rewards for Struggling Reciters:

“The one who struggles in reciting the Qur’an, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 4937)

Explanation:

• Allah recognizes and rewards the efforts of those who strive to improve their recitation.
• Even those unfamiliar with Arabic are encouraged to persevere, knowing their struggles are valued.
• Practical Lesson:
• Beginners should not feel discouraged; progress in tajweed comes with consistent practice.
• Teachers should be patient and supportive of students learning Quranic recitation.

Is it Necessary to Read the Quran with Tajweed?

Reading the Quran with Tajweed is not a strict requirement, but it is a valuable tool for refining one’s voice and ensuring accurate pronunciation. While it’s not obligatory, considering it a duty to learn Quran Tajweed is highly recommended. Tajweed aids in understanding the precise articulation points of Arabic letters, the characteristics of the alphabet, and more.

As Muslims, reciting the Quran correctly becomes a responsibility. It goes beyond mere pronunciation; it’s about honoring the sacred text by adhering to its intended recitation style.

Learning Tajweed isn’t about imposing rigid Tajweed rules but fostering a deep connection with the divine message. It enhances our ability to recite the Quran with precision and sincerity.

Is it A Sin Not to Recite the Quran with Tajweed?

Reciting the Quran without Tajweed is not inherently sinful, but inaccuracies and mistakes in pronunciation during recitation can be considered as such. Learning the Quran with Tajweed becomes crucial for Muslims to avoid these errors and approach the sacred text with precision and respect.

The great scholar Muhammad bin Al-Jazaree from the 9th century emphasized the importance of Tajweed in a famous poem, stating, “And applying Tajweed is an issue of absolute necessity, whoever doesn’t apply Tajweed to the Qur’an, then a sinner is he.” This underlines the significance of Tajweed not just as a linguistic exercise but an integral aspect of faithfully engaging with the Quran.

While some individuals strongly believe that reading the Quran without Tajweed is a sin, it’s important to clarify that there is no direct religious mandate declaring it so.

What is the Reward of Learning Tajweed?

• Learning Tajweed not only refines Quranic recitation but also brings numerous spiritual rewards.
• Tajweed aids in grasping the accurate meanings and nuances of Quranic verses.
• Proficient recitation fosters a deeper connection with the divine message.
• Learning Tajweed reflects a sincere commitment to honoring the sacred text.
• Proper recitation invites blessings and mercy from Allah.
• Tajweed ensures clear and effective communication of the Quran’s teachings.
• Mastering Tajweed demonstrates reverence for the revealed words of Allah.
• Accurate recitation enhances the spiritual impact of prayers.
• Those proficient in Tajweed can teach and share the skill with others.

Conclusion

Therefore, tajweed is an essential aspect of engaging with the Quran, ensuring that the divine words of Allah are recited correctly, beautifully, and with the respect they deserve. It preserves the linguistic integrity and meaning of the Quran, allowing Muslims to experience the profound spiritual connection and blessings that come from proper recitation.

The rules of tajweed not only safeguard the Quran’s authenticity but also foster humility, devotion, and focus in the reciter’s heart.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of melodious and accurate recitation, encouraging believers to strive for excellence in learning and practicing tajweed.

Whether one is an experienced reciter or a beginner, the effort to improve is greatly rewarded in this life and the Hereafter. Tajweed, therefore, is not just a technical skill but a means of honoring the sacred message of Allah and deepening one’s faith