To read and recite the Quran properly, kids must learn the Tajweed rules in their early years. The sooner they start, the better their proficiency will be. The 12 most important tajweed rules that every kid needs to learn if they intend to master the recitation skills of the Holy Quran are discussed below. Each Tajweed rule is explained in detail for kids in English.

Important Rules of Tajweed in the Quran For kids

Kids can begin Tajweed learning with the following easy rules. After mastering these rules, they can move forward to advanced ones.

  • Al-Isti’aathah & Al-Basmalah
  • Qalqalah
  • Nun Sakinah and Tanween
  • Mim Sakinah
  • Heavy and light letters (Tafkhim and Tarqiq)
  • Madd (Elongation)
  • Ghunnah
  • Noon and Meem Mushaddad
  •  Maddah
  • Laam shamsiyyah and qammariyyah
  • Sifaat al-Huroof
  • Makharij Al-Huroof

1. Al-Isti’aathah & Al-Basmalah

Al-Isti’aathah (الاستعاذة), or “seeking refuge,” is an important practice in Islamic tradition where one recites the phrase “A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim” prior to reading the Quran. This invocation serves to seek Allah’s protection from the influence of the devil, instilling a sense of spiritual readiness before engaging with the sacred text.

Additionally, Al-Basmalah (البسملة) refers to the phrase “Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim,” which translates to “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” This phrase is typically recited at the beginning of most chapters (Surahs) in the Quran, emphasizing the themes of mercy and compassion that are central to the Islamic faith.

2. Qalqalah

Qalqalah is a unique phonetic feature in Arabic that applies to certain letters when they appear with a sukoon, producing an echoing sound. The letters associated with Qalqalah are ق, ط, ب, ج, and د, which can be remembered with the phrase “Qalqalah is pronounced with an echo.”

Scholars have classified Qalqalah into three distinct categories based on the context in which these letters are pronounced:

  1. Heavy Qalqalah: This occurs when a Qalqalah letter has a Shaddah. In this case, the echo sound is pronounced with a stronger emphasis.
  1. Medium Qalqalah: This is designated for instances when a Qalqalah letter appears at the end of a word, and a pause is made. It will be articulated with a medium level of echo.
  1. Light Qalqalah: This happens when a Qalqalah letter is saakin (has no vowel) and is found in the middle of a word. Here, the echo produced will be more subtle and light.

Note: Join Quran Grace’s Online Tajweed Classes for Kids – Fun, Easy & Taught in English!

3. Nun Sakinah and Tanween

These rules deal with how to pronounce “tanween” (double vowels that result in an “n” sound at the end of a word) and “nun sakinah” (نْ – a “nun” with a sukoon). Based on the subsequent letter, these can be pronounced as follows: concealment (Ikhfa), merging (Idgham), changing (Iqlab), and clear (Izhar).

  •  Idgham

This rule applies when noon skin or tanween is followed by one of the Arabic letters ي ، ر،. م، ل، و، ن In this case, the noon sakin or tanween is merged or assimilated into the next letter, with no separate pronunciation.

Idgham has two types

  1. With Ghunna (nasal sound): It occurs when noon saakin or tanween is followed by ي ، ن، م ، و

Examples: (وَمَن يَعْمَلْ)، (أَمَنَةً نُّعَاسًا) (مِن والٍ)

  1. Without Ghunna: It occurs when noon saakin or tanween is followed by ر، ل

Examples: (مِّن لَّبَنٍ)، (غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ)

  • Iqlab

 This rule occurs when a noon saakin or tanween is followed by a ba letter (ب). The noon sakin or tanween is changed into a “mim” sound (م) due to the influence of the following ba letter.

Example of Iqlab rule

واللهُ سَمِيعٌ بَصِيرٌ turns into والله سميعمبصير

  • Ikhfaa

The articulation point (makhraj) moves to a position resembling the hidden letter when this rule is applied to the noon sakinah or tanween. Consequently, the reciter shifts the tip of his tongue a little bit away from the upper teeth’s gums.

This rule is applied when noon sakin or tanween is followed by one of the Ikhfaa letters (ص، ذ، ث، ك، ج، ش، ق، س، د، ط، ز، ف، ت، ض، ظ).

Examples of Ikhfaa rules

﴿ وَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَـأُهْلِكُوا بِرِيحٍ صَرْصَرٍ 

  •  Izhar

Any letter from the “Izhar” letter category—ء ، ·، ع،غ، ح، خ—that follows a noon sakin or tanween is considered to violate the Izhar rule.خ In this case, the noon sakin or tanween is pronounced clearly without any nasal sound.

Examples of Izhar rule

(تنحتون) ، (من حكيم)

4. Mim Sakinah

The rules of Mim Sakinah, much like those of Nun Sakinah and Tanween, are centered around the pronunciation of the letter “mim” when it carries a sukoon (م). These rules encompass three key aspects: 

  1. Izhar Shafawi: This refers to the clear and distinct pronunciation of the “m” sound when it appears at the end of a word before a letter that is not an “m” sound.
  2. Idgham Shafawi: In this case, the “m” sound merges seamlessly with the following “m” sound, creating a smooth transition in pronunciation.
  3. Ikhfa Shafawi: This rule involves the concealment of the “m” sound, where it is pronounced in a softer, less pronounced manner when followed by specific letters. 

5. Heavy and light letters (Tafkhim and Tarqiq)

Tajweed plays a crucial role in the quality of recitation of the Arabic language by distinguishing between heavy and light letters. Heavy letters are pronounced with a fuller mouth, enhancing their sound, while light letters are articulated differently. 

The heavy letters are also known as the letters of Tafkheem, or Isti’laa, which translates to “the letters that rise high.” When these letters are pronounced, the tongue is elevated, creating a gap between the bottom of the tongue and the roof of the mouth (specifically the soft palate). This upward position allows for a resonant and richer sound. In total, there are seven heavy letters in the Arabic language.

  • Taa – ط
  • Daad – ض
  • Saad – ص
  • Dhaa – ظ
  • Qaaf – ق
  • Ghayn – غ
  • Khaa – خ

Tarqeeq refers to the thinning of letters, where the mouth produces no echo or reverberation. The lighter letters are known as the letters of ‘Istifal,’ which means ‘falling.’ These Istifal letters allow the tongue to rest at the bottom of the mouth without creating any noticeable echo. All other letters, except for the heavy ones, are categorized as letters of tarqeeq.

6. Madd (Elongation)

This rule explains the extension of vowel sounds under specific conditions, which enhances the melodic flow of Quranic recitation. There are two types of vowel elongation:

  1. Al-Madd al-Asli (Original/Natural Elongation): This type occurs when a consonant sound is followed by a long vowel.
  1. Al-Madd al-Far’iee (Secondary Elongation): This type occurs when a vowel sound is prolonged due to the presence of a hamzah.

7. Ghunnah

Ghunnah is an important rule in Tajweed that adds a nasal sound when specific Arabic letters precede certain nasal letters. This rule plays a crucial role in ensuring correct pronunciation and enhances the melodic quality of Quranic recitation. Understanding and applying Ghunnah correctly is essential for anyone looking to improve their recitation skills and honor the beauty of the Quran.

8. Noon and Meem Mushaddad

Noon and Meem Mushaddad are important Tajweed rules that guide the correct pronunciation of specific Arabic letters when they are accompanied by a Shaddah (ّ), a diacritical mark that indicates the doubling of a consonant’s sound. 

When the letter Noon (ن) has a Shaddah, it is pronounced with a prolonged nasal sound, which is similar to the English “nn” in the word “unnecessary.” An example of this can be found in the word “مُنَّافِقُونَ” (hypocrites) from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:8), where the Noon with Shaddah is elongated, emphasizing the doubled nasal sound and clearly distinguishing it from a regular Noon.

In the same way, when Meem (م) is marked with a Shaddah, it also requires an elongated pronunciation, creating a prolonged nasal sound akin to the English “mm” in “hammer.” For instance, in the word “سَمَّاءٌ” (sky) from Surah Al-Mulk (67:3), the Meem with Shaddah is elongated, which enhances the clarity of the doubled nasal sound in its pronunciation.

9. Mudood

Mudood refers to the elongation of specific vowels in Arabic pronunciation, particularly Alif (ا), Ya (ي), and Waw (و). This elongation is denoted by a written symbol called Maddah placed over the respective letter.

Example of Muldood from the Quran, In Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:4) Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), saying, “أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا” (Or add to it, and recite the Quran with measured recitation). In the word “تَرْتِيلًا” (with measured recitation), the Ya (ي) is elongated (Muldood) with a Maddah symbol (ٓ) placed above it.

10. Waqf and Ibtida (pause and start)

Waqf and Ibtida’ are essential Tajweed rules that guide the proper pauses and starts during Quran recitation. Waqf refers to understanding the appropriate moments to pause at designated points within the Quranic text, ensuring clarity and comprehension. In contrast, Ibtida’ specifies where to begin the recitation, helping the reader maintain the correct flow and meaning of the verses. Mastery of these rules enhances the overall experience and accuracy in reciting the Quran.

11. Sifaat-al-Huroof

An essential Tajweed rule that highlights the complex qualities of every Arabic letter is Sifaat al-Huroof. Every letter has unique characteristics that significantly affect how it sounds, making it more than just a symbol. Take the ideas of lightness (tarqeeq) and heaviness (tafkheem), for example. These characteristics enhance the beauty and rhythm of spoken Arabic in addition to having an impact on pronunciation. Furthermore, elongation (madd) is essential for extending sounds for emphasis and clarity.

Example of Sifaat-al-Huroof from the Quran, In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah instructs regarding the Hajj pilgrimage, saying, “وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ” (And announce to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.) Here, the letter “ق” (Qaf) in “الْحَجِّ” is pronounced with Tafkheem (emphasis), emphasizing the significance of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Two Types of Sifaat-Al-Huroof

  1. Sifaat Mutadaaddah (Continuous Attributes)

Sifaat Mutadaaddah refers to the characteristics of letters that allow for the continuous flow of breath when pronounced. Remembered with the phrase “فحثه شخص سكت,” these ten letters, known as whisperers, facilitate smooth and uninterrupted pronunciation without causing a break in the breath. Examples include فَ (fa), حَ (ha), and شَ (sheen).

  1. Sifaat Ghayr Mutadaaddah (Discontinuous Attributes)

Sifaat Ghayr Mutadaaddah involves letters where the breath is discontinued during pronunciation, characterized by a clear vibration of the vocal cords. The quality of jahr, or loudness, is found in the remaining 19 letters, known as majhoorah, including ع (ain), ظ (dha), and غ (ghain).

12. Makharij-al-Huroof

Makharij al-Huroof, commonly referred to as the “points of articulation,” is an essential concept in the study of Tajweed, which governs the proper pronunciation of Arabic letters. These points indicate the precise locations in the mouth and throat where each letter is produced. 

A deep understanding of Makharij al-Huroof is vital for accurate recitation of the Quran, as the correct pronunciation of each letter is influenced by its specific point of origin. Mastering this concept is crucial for achieving clarity and authenticity in Quranic reading.

Example of Makharij-al-Huroof from the Quran, In various Quranic verses, we can find examples illustrating Makharij al-Huroof. For instance, consider the word “قلب” (qalb), meaning heart, mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:7). The letter “ق” originates from the back of the throat, while “ل” (lam) is articulated from the tip of the tongue. This distinction in the point of articulation affects the pronunciation of each letter.

Conclusion

Tajweed plays a crucial role in enabling us to recite the Quran accurately and fostering a deeper connection with Allah’s words. We encourage parents to introduce their children to the principles of Tajweed through our program at Quran Grace. For kids, our basic Tajweed course includes a free evaluation and consultation to assess their needs. Enroll today to embark on this enriching journey together.