Tajweed is like the gentle art of giving the Quran its due respect through beautiful recitation. It’s about fine-tuning your voice to honor each letter and sound just right. Within the Tajweed, there are two special parts we’ll explore: Al-Isti’aathah and Al-Basmalah.

Al-Isti’aathah serves as a protective invocation, seeking refuge in Allah from the malevolent influence of Satan before reciting the Quran. On the other hand, Al-Basmalah is the introductory phrase “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” marking the commencement of many chapters. To learn all about these fascinating Tajweed rules and more, keep reading ahead. Let’s begin this beautiful journey together!

What is Al-Isti’aathah?

Al-Isti’aathah is a phrase we say before starting to recite the Holy Qur’an: “أَعُذُ باللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطاَنِ الرَّجيم” (I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitaan the accursed). It’s like asking for protection from Satan’s harm. In Surah An-Nahl, verse 98, Allah tells us to seek refuge when reciting the Qur’an.

Scholars have different opinions: most say it’s recommended (Mustahab), while some say it’s obligatory (Wajib). So, saying Al-Isti’aathah is a way to start reciting the Qur’an with Allah’s protection from Satan’s tricks.

What is Al-Basmalah?

Al-Basmalah is the phrase “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمانِ الرَّحِيمِ” (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent). It’s a part of a verse in Surah An-Naml. You’ll find it at the beginning of most chapters in the Quran, except for Surah At-Taubah. It’s like a respectful introduction, acknowledging Allah’s mercy and benevolence.

When starting a new chapter, reciting Al-Basmalah is necessary (Wajib), but it’s optional (Ja’iz) if you begin from the middle of a chapter. Al-Basmalah acts as a boundary between chapters, emphasizing the sanctity of each section. So, saying Al-Basmalah marks the start of reciting with the name of Allah, invoking His mercy and blessings.

Note: Hidayah Network teachers convert all quran tajweed material in our online tajweed course for proper recitation of students.

6 Rules to Know About Al-Isti’aathah & Al-Basmalah Tajweed Rules

Here are 6 advanced tajweed rules of Al-Isti’aathah & Al-Basmalah that Hidayah Network covers in their advance tajweed course for students.

Rule 1:

When you start reciting a new chapter of the Quran, it’s a good idea (recommended or Mustahab) to say “أَعُذُ باللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطاَنِ الرَّجيم” (I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitaan the accursed). You can say it once for the whole Quran session if you don’t pause the recitation.

For example, if you begin with Surah Al-Faatiha and continue into Surah Al-Baqarah without stopping, you only need to say it once. But if you pause and start again later, it’s up to you whether you want to say it again or not.

Rule 2:

It’s highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) to say “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمانِ الرَّحِيمِ” (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent) at the start of each surah, except for Surah At-Tawbah.

Rule 3:

If you’re in the middle of a surah, it’s your choice whether you want to say “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمانِ الرَّحِيمِ” or not. It’s better to say it, but you don’t have to.

Rule 4:

You can join the “أَعُذُ باللَّهِ” and “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” with the first verse of a surah in different ways:

• (a) Say both in one breath, along with the first verse.
• (b) Say “أَعُذُ باللَّهِ” and “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” together, then start the first verse with a separate breath.
• (c) Say “أَعُذُ باللَّهِ” with one breath, then “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” and the first verse with another breath.
• (d) Say “أَعُذُ باللَّهِ” separately, then “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” and the first verse with separate breaths.

Rule 5:

Between two surahs, you have options on how to connect or separate the endings and beginnings:

• (a) Join the last verse of the former surah, “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” and the first verse of the latter surah in one breath.
• (b) Separate the last verse from “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” and “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” from the first verse with separate breaths.
• (c) Separate the last verse from “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” and join “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” with the first verse in one breath.

Rule 6:

Surah At-Tawbah doesn’t start with “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ”. If you’re continuing from Surah Al-Anfaal, you have three choices:

• (a) Connect the last verse of Surah Al-Anfaal with Surah At-Tawbah without a pause or breath.
• (b) Pause briefly (without breathing) after the last verse of Surah Al-Anfaal before starting Surah At-Tawbah.
• (c) Take a breath after the last verse of Surah Al-Anfaal, then immediately start Surah At-Tawbah.

These rules help you to recite quran beautifully to maintain the proper recitation and respect for the Quran’s verses.

Final Words

In mastering Tajweed, adherence to its rules fosters a profound connection with the Quran’s sacred verses. Understanding the significance of Al-Isti’aathah and Al-Basmalah enhances our recitation, fostering reverence and clarity in our engagement with Allah’s words. With clarity on when and how to invoke divine protection and commence each surah, our quran recitation becomes a spiritual journey, guided by reverence and respect.