The rules for reading the Quran are collectively referred to as Tajweed, which means “beautification of pronunciation.”  Tajweed ensures that the Quran is recited the way it was revealed, along with the perfect intonation and voice enhancement.

10 Rules of Reading the Quran

The following rules of reading the Quran are listed to make the reciter go through them and make sure they are used while recitation. 

1. Makharij al-Huruf مخارج الحروف (proper pronunciation)

Makharij refers to the articulation points of the letters. Each letter has a specific place where it originates, such as the throat, tongue, or lips. Learning the correct makhraj is crucial for accurate pronunciation and avoiding any change of meaning due to articulation. non-Arabs usually make mistakes while reciting some of the letters which could possibly change the meaning of the word. So, learning the makhraj is very important.

2. Sifaat al-Huruf صفات الحروف (Characteristics of Letters) 

Each Arabic letter has specific attributes (e.g., strength, softness, or breathiness). Examples include:

  • Hams (همس): Whispering, like in the letter “س”.
  • Shiddah (شدة): strength or tension, like in the letter “ق”.

All Arabic letters have specific characteristics, and they should be uttered accordingly. 

3. Rules of Noon and Meem Sakinah

These apply when a ن (noon) or م (meem) is followed by certain letters. The reciter needs to pronounce the following 4 rules.

  • Ikhfaa (إخفاء): Hiding the sound with a nasal quality.
  • Idgham (إدغام): Merging the sound with the following letter.
  • Ith-har (إظهار): Pronouncing the letter.
  • Iqlab (إقلاب): Changing ن into م in specific cases.

4. Rules of Madd  (Prolongation)

Madd refers to lengthening a vowel sound. It depends on the type of MADD (natural, obligatory, or connected/disconnected), and it can range from 2 to 6 counts (harakat). For an accurate reading of the Quran in English, you need to understand how to pronounce madd in the Quran.

5. Ghunna (Nasal Sound)

A nasal sound is applied to specific letters, especially in Idgham or when dealing with ن or م with a shaddah ( ّ ). This rule needs practice for perfection. Whenever you recite the verses of the Quran, make sure you patiently recite the ghunna.

Note: Quran Grace applies all of the rules of quran recitation in their “Online Quran Recitation Course” for flawless and perfect reading.

6. Shaddah (Stressing sound)

When you have a shadd on any letter, a stressing sound is pronounced that could be of 3 types.

  • Tashdid Al-Fat-h (ـَّ): 

It is a diacritical mark indicating the doubling of a consonant with the sound of a short vowel, the fat-ha (َ).

For example: In the Arabic verb علًم (Allama), there is a tashdid Al-fat-h on the letter ل: the first /l/ with sukoon, and the second /l/ with the short vowel /a/ = fat-ha.

  • Tashdid Al-Dham (ـُّ):

It is a diacritical mark indicating the doubling of a consonant with the sound of a short vowel, Dhamma (-ُ ).

For example:  ربُّك  (rabbok): there is a tashdid Al-Dham on the letter ب: the first /b/ with sukoon, and the second /b/ with the short vowel /o/ = dhamma.

  • Tashdid Al-Kasr(ـِّ): 

It is a diacritical mark indicating the doubling of a consonant with the sound of a short vowel, the kasra (-ِ ).

For example: يُسَبِّحُ (Yusabbih): there is a tashdid Al-Kasr on the letter ب: the first /b/ with sukoon, and the second /b/ followed by the short vowel /i/- Kasra.

7. Qalqalah (Echoing Sound)

A bouncing or jerking sound when certain letters (ق، ط، ب، ج، د) are pronounced with sukoon (absence of a vowel). These letters are combined to call (qut-bun-jaddin). If any of these letters have shadd on them, the jerking sound is hardened or doubled.

8. Silent Letters (Huroof Sakina)

Silent letters must be pronounced delicately without extra stress or addition.

9. Stopping (Waqf – وقف)

Stopping refers to ceasing the recitation temporarily at a specific point in a verse. The stop type determines whether to continue from the same word or resume from a new word.

Types of Waqf:

  • Waqf Lazim: Mandatory Stop
      • You must stop because continuing could distort the meaning.
      • Example: A symbol like “م” indicates this stop.
  • Waqf Mutlaq: Complete Stop
      • Stopping here signifies the completion of an idea or statement.
      • It is followed by starting afresh with the next portion.
      • Symbol: “ط”.
  • Waqf Jaiz: Permissible Stop
      • You may stop here, but it’s not necessary.
      • Used when the meaning is not distorted by stopping.
      • Symbol: “ج”.
  • Waqf Mamnu: Forbidden Stop
      • You must not stop, as it will disrupt the meaning or connection of the sentence.
      • Symbol: “لا”.
  • Waqf Mu’anaqa: Conditional Stop
    • Found between two closely connected words; you can stop at one but not both.
    • Symbol: Three dots ( ∴ ∴ ).

Symbols for Waqf in the Quran

Printed copies of the Quran include symbols to guide reciters from all over the world:

  • م: Stop is mandatory.
  • لا: Do not stop.
  • ج: Stop is permissible.
  • ط: Recommended to stop.
  • ۖ or س: Pause without taking a breath.
  • (قلي) – It is Preferable not to Stop
  • وقف النبی – The Pause of Prophet PBUH
  • وقف منزل – The Pause Sign of Jibrael A.S
  • وقف غفران – The Sign of Supplication
  • ك –(Kadhaalik meaning as Previous Sign)

10. Pausing (Sakt – سكت)

Pausing is a brief silence in recitation without breaking the flow. It is shorter than a full stop and doesn’t require breathing. Pauses are used to enhance clarity or respect specific pronunciation rules.

It is recommended to attend online Tajweed classes to learn the recitation rules for reading the Quran fluently. Practice all the rules as many times as possible for excellent results.

Conclusion:

Reading the Quran is a profound devotion and a chance for spiritual growth. Men, women, and children can deepen their connection to the divine message and gain valuable insights by following the rules of the Quran. Join the Quran recitation classes at Quran Grace to learn all the Quran reading rules to enhance your skills with the convenience of home.