"Don't just read the Qur'an, try to understand it."
On the Day of Resurrection the Qur'an will petition Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) to cloak the one who was a companion of the Qur'an (recited it often) with garments of honor and respect. A crown of honor will then be placed on the head of the reciter. The Qur'an will then petition Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) to shower His pleasure on the reciter. Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) will then become pleased with him. The reciter will then be asked to recite the Qur'an, thereby attaining higher ranks of elevation. In reward for each Ayah, a good deed will be given to him. (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajaah)
To
seek knowledge is a sacred duty for every Muslim male and female. The first
word revealed of the Qur'an was "Iqra" (read) Seek knowledge! Educate
yourselves! Be educated.Every one young, man, woman, should at least acquire sufficient knowledge to enable ourselves to understand the essence of the teachings of the Qur'an and the purpose for which it has been sent down. We should also be able to understand clearly the mission, which our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) came into this world to fulfil. We should also recognize the corrupt order and system, which he came to destroy. We should acquaint ourselves, too, with the way of life, which is Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) has ordained for us. No great amount of time is required to acquire this simple knowledge. If we truly value Iman, it cannot be too difficult to find one hour every day to devote for our Iman.
• Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "A single scholar of religion is more formidable against Shaitaan than a thousand devout persons. Islam is our greatest gift. We have to be thankful for this gift. We have to render to Allah His due. Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) has given us so much by making us a part of the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) so we must totally commit ourselves as followers of the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam). We must become true Muslims." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajaah)
The best of knowledge is the knowledge of the Qur'an:
• Sayyidina Hazrat Uthman (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said;
Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "To seek knowledge is an
obligation upon every Muslim." (Ibn Maajaah)
• Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "A single scholar of religion is more formidable against Shaitaan than a thousand devout persons. Islam is our greatest gift. We have to be thankful for this gift. We have to render to Allah His due. Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) has given us so much by making us a part of the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) so we must totally commit ourselves as followers of the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam). We must become true Muslims." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajaah)
The best of knowledge is the knowledge of the Qur'an:
• Sayyidina Hazrat Uthman (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said;
"The best
amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it "(to
others)." (Bukhari, Tirmidhi)
Qur'an Tajweed Introduction
Tajweed (ﺗﺠﻮﻳﺪ) is an Arabic word meaning correct pronunciation during recitation. It is a set of rules which dictate how the Qur'an should be read. It comes from the root word ‘ja-wa-da’, meaning to make well, make better or improve.
Those who are reading from it should use clear, beautiful voices:
1- It is Waajib (compulsory) to recite the Qur'an correctly. Do not recite with haste but make an effort to read with Tarteel (fluency) and with Tajweed, proper articulation points, and proper stops and starts. Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) said;
“And recite the Qur'an in slow measured rhythmic tone”.
(Qur'an, 73: 4)
(Qur'an, 73: 4)
The Arabic word TARTEEL means "slow measured rhythmic". The translation of the above Ayah is reciting the Qur'an slowly, making the letters clear, for this is an assistance in understanding and pondering the meaning of the Qur'an. This is how the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) used to recite.
Why the need for Tajweed rules?- Hazrat Ayisha (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anha) said; "He (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) used to recite the chapter slowly, so much so that it would be longer than chapters that were actually longer than it." (Bukhari)
- Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "He who does not recite the Qur'an in a melodious voice is not of us." (Abu Dawud)
When Islam was being spread (and it was done so at a very quick pace and also into non-Arab speaking countries) not everyone’s tongue was accustomed to the Arabic letters and sounds. Thus, when reciting the Qur'an, much error and distortion occurred and the Muslim scholars feared (the perpetration of) that error and distortion.It was at this point that some of them recorded the rules and foundations that regulate the correct pronunciation of Qur'an and they named this the Science of Tajweed.
The rules were not made up by these Scholars. In fact, all they did was closely observe the perfect readers who read as they were taught by the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) and wrote down for later generations the rules of recitation of the earlier generations.
From the outset, Tajweed was a Science that cannot be learnt only from a book and will always retain this inherent quality.
The most important part of Tajweed is learning about correct positions of the organs of speech and the manner of articulation. The Qur'an can lose its meaning if the letters are not pronounced correctly e.g.
When Tajweed is observed, the reading will flow smoothly and eloquently. The reader will also be sure he is following the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) example by reciting the Qur'an just as the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) did and just as it was revealed to him – Insha Allah.
Failure to adhere to those rules may result in an unacceptable manner of reading, altering the entire meaning of the words and making one guilty of the unintentional utterance of the words of disbelief (Kufr). Incorrect recital of the Qur'an constitutes LAHN, which may deprive the reader of any reward in the Hereafter, and Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) Knows Best.
"Those truly fear Allah among His Servants who have knowledge".
(Qur'an, 35: 28)
"Those truly fear Allah among His Servants who have knowledge".
(Qur'an, 35: 28)
Click on text Download: LAHN
What is Lahn ( ﻟَﺤَﻦ )?
The word Lahn literally means ‘Incorrect pronunciation/mispronouncing’. In the Science of Qur'an Tajweed, Lahn can be described as two types:
- Lahn Jalee (ﻟَﺤَﻦ ﺟَﻠِﻲ -Explicit misreading) - major or obvious.
- Lahn Khafee (ﻟَﺤَﻦ ﺧَﻔِﻲ -Implicit misreading) - minor or not obvious.
To reciting the Qur'an whilst being guilty of Lahn Jalee is forbidden when a letter is clearly mispronounced as another letter and this considered a sin if done intentionally or careless, so that it can lead one to the brink of Kufr. One must learn to pronounce correctly as it also affects one daily Prayers when reciting Surah Al-Fatiha.
Examples of Lahn Jalee
In the above verse, if Rasuluhu is read as Rasulahu then it changes meaning to a blasphemous one saying that Allah I is free of polytheists and His Messenger! (As opposed to …and so is His Messenger).
Lahn Khafee:
Reading the Qur'an whilst being guilty of Lahn Khafee is Makrooh (odious). It does not necessarily alter the meaning of the Qur'an. However, it does deprive the Holy Qur'an of its real elegance and beauty.
Examples of Lahn Khafee:
To overlook the rules of the Tafkheem (heavy pronounce) and the Tarqeeq (light pronounce). The letter ل Laam, ر Raa is some times pronounced heavy and some times light).
Not to adhere to the rules of Izhaar, Idghaam, Ikhfa, Qalqalah and Isti'laa in their respective places whilst reciting the Qur'an. Not to prolong a letter when a Madd is present.
Knowledge of Tajweed is fard al-kifyah, meaning the Muslim community must know it and its knowledge cannot be forsaken.
Click on text Download: The places of Articulation of Letters (Makhaaraj Huroof)
WARNING!
WARNING!
This
is just a study guide for those who are at the learning stage. You must
learn how to pronounce the Arabic letters from a qualified person! 
Click on text Download:
Click on text Download
Click on text Download
Click on text Download
Special rules must follow when handling the Qur'an:
Taharah
The Arabic word translated here as "clean" is Mutah-hi-roon, a word that is also sometimes translated as "purified".
As a result of this general understanding, the following "rules" are usually followed when handling the Qur'an:
When commencing and during Tilaawat: (The etiquette of reciting the Qur'an)
11- When one is, alone it is better to recite aloud. However if one is reading in a Masjid or where others are occupied in their 'Ibaadah, or there is fear of showing off, then it is best to recite softly. Recite in a melodious voice because this has been emphasised in many Ahaadith.
12- It is of the utmost importance that there is respect of the Qur'an by all readers of the Qur'an. Talk should be avoided while reciting the Qur'an, as well as laughter and playing around. If an important matter has to be discussed with anyone then the recital should be stopped and the Qur'an closed. If one desires to continue reading thereafter then read the Ta'awwuz (A'oozu billah), and Bismillah, and then continue from where one had stopped. Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala), the Exalted, said:
Taharah
It is preferred that the Muslim be in the state of "Taharah" (purity), especially when touching the Qur'an with his hands directly. The Qur'an itself states that only those who are clean and pure should touch the sacred text, as shown in the generality of the Ayah:
"This is indeed a Holy Qur'an most honourable. In a book well-guarded. Which none shall touch but those who are clean..."
(Qur'an, 56: 77, 78, 79)
(Qur'an, 56: 77, 78, 79)
The Arabic word translated here as "clean" is Mutah-hi-roon, a word that is also sometimes translated as "purified".
Some argue that this purity or cleanliness is of the heart, i.e. that only Muslim believers should handle the Qur'an. However, the majority of Islamic scholars interpret these verses also refer to a physical cleanliness or purity, which is attained by making formal ablutions (Wudhu). Therefore, most Muslims believe that only those who are physically clean through formal ablutions should touch the pages of the Qur'an.
As a result of this general understanding, the following "rules" are usually followed when handling the Qur'an:
When commencing and during Tilaawat: (The etiquette of reciting the Qur'an)
1- One should make formal ablutions (Wudhu) before handling the Qur'an or reading from its text.
2- One who is in need of a formal bath should not touch the Qur'an until after bathing.
3- The individual's clothes, body & place of reading Qur'an must have be clean.
4- Use a Miswaak and ensure that the mouth is thoroughly cleansed of any strong or offensive smell such as garlic, raw onion, etc.
5- The respect for the Qur'an should be regarded as binding on every Muslim at all times. Sit in a secluded place facing the Qiblah in an extremely dignified manner. One should not lean against anything or stretch out one's legs or lie down whilst reciting.
6- The Qur'an must be placed on an elevated position such as a Qur'an stand, desk. Do not place the Qur'an on the musallah (carpet), Mimbar or any place on which people stand or sit.
7- It is the duty of every Muslim man, woman and children read ever day at least one section of the Qur'an in Arabic, then read the translation, with commentary. Do not worry about finishing the Holy Qur'an.
8- Read Ta'awwuz (A'oozu billah) Bismillah and Durood before commencing and after the recital.
9- Should read Bismillah beginning of the all Surah in the Qur'an, Except Surah Tawbah (Baraa'ah), Bismillah reading not allowed before this Surah.
10- Seeking refuge with Allah from the rejected Shaitaan before reading the Qur'an, following Allah's saying:
2- One who is in need of a formal bath should not touch the Qur'an until after bathing.
3- The individual's clothes, body & place of reading Qur'an must have be clean.
4- Use a Miswaak and ensure that the mouth is thoroughly cleansed of any strong or offensive smell such as garlic, raw onion, etc.
5- The respect for the Qur'an should be regarded as binding on every Muslim at all times. Sit in a secluded place facing the Qiblah in an extremely dignified manner. One should not lean against anything or stretch out one's legs or lie down whilst reciting.
6- The Qur'an must be placed on an elevated position such as a Qur'an stand, desk. Do not place the Qur'an on the musallah (carpet), Mimbar or any place on which people stand or sit.
7- It is the duty of every Muslim man, woman and children read ever day at least one section of the Qur'an in Arabic, then read the translation, with commentary. Do not worry about finishing the Holy Qur'an.
8- Read Ta'awwuz (A'oozu billah) Bismillah and Durood before commencing and after the recital.
9- Should read Bismillah beginning of the all Surah in the Qur'an, Except Surah Tawbah (Baraa'ah), Bismillah reading not allowed before this Surah.
10- Seeking refuge with Allah from the rejected Shaitaan before reading the Qur'an, following Allah's saying:
"When you recite The Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from the accursed Shaitaan." (Qur'an, 16: 98)
12- It is of the utmost importance that there is respect of the Qur'an by all readers of the Qur'an. Talk should be avoided while reciting the Qur'an, as well as laughter and playing around. If an important matter has to be discussed with anyone then the recital should be stopped and the Qur'an closed. If one desires to continue reading thereafter then read the Ta'awwuz (A'oozu billah), and Bismillah, and then continue from where one had stopped. Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala), the Exalted, said:
"When the Qur'an is read listen to it with attention and hold your peace: that you may receive Mercy." (Qur'an, 7: 204)
13- When one is not reading or reciting from the Qur'an, it should be closed and stored in a clean, respectable place. Nothing should be placed on top of it.
14- Do not place any other book or object (hat, cap or turban etc.), on the Qur'an during or after recital.
15- Do not turn your back towards the Qur'an during or after recital, and do not sit with the Qur'an in such a position that it faces someone else's back.
16- Do not sit on a place which is higher than the Qur'an when the Qur'an is within sight. Do not sleep with your feet towards the Qur'an.
17- It is sinful to carelessly discard torn or worn pages of the Qur'an. Do not throw them in the waste basket or bin. Usable pages must be carefully put into a Paak (ritually clean) wrapper and buried in a Paak/clean place.
18- Besides the Qur'an, other pieces of paper or things with the names of Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) and Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam), must not be shown disrespect by being carelessly discarded at places where these would be trampled upon.
14- Do not place any other book or object (hat, cap or turban etc.), on the Qur'an during or after recital.
15- Do not turn your back towards the Qur'an during or after recital, and do not sit with the Qur'an in such a position that it faces someone else's back.
16- Do not sit on a place which is higher than the Qur'an when the Qur'an is within sight. Do not sleep with your feet towards the Qur'an.
17- It is sinful to carelessly discard torn or worn pages of the Qur'an. Do not throw them in the waste basket or bin. Usable pages must be carefully put into a Paak (ritually clean) wrapper and buried in a Paak/clean place.
18- Besides the Qur'an, other pieces of paper or things with the names of Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) and Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam), must not be shown disrespect by being carelessly discarded at places where these would be trampled upon.
Muslims believe that the Holy Qur'an should be handled with the
deepest respect. However, God is All-Merciful and we cannot be held
responsible for what we do in ignorance or by mistake. The Qur'an itself
says;
"Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error."
(Qur'an, 2: 286)
(Qur'an, 2: 286)
Therefore,
there is no sin in Islam on the person who mishandles the Qur'an by
accident or without the realization of wrongdoing. Best thing you have
to give the Sadqah (charity).
The divine revelation goes in great
detail about every single matter in life and the afterlife, such as
marriage, divorce, backbiting, lying, harassment, death, Day of
Judgment, life in Heaven, life in Hell, etc. It tells about the good
and bad things in our lives, for example, how to obtain the virtuous and
avoid the immoral things. It was revealed on earth from Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) to
Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) through the angel Hazrat Jibraa'eel (Alayhis-Salam). It is such
an extraordinary scripture that Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) says;
"If there were a Qur'an with which
mountains were moved or the earth were cloven asunder or the dead were made to
speak (this would be the one!) But truly the Command is with Allah in things!" (Qur'an,
13: 31)
The Qur'an is the most precious item to a Muslim. It is the holy book of Muslims, which teaches people guidance to the right path and explains the law set by Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) for those who want to seek a successful hereafter, Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) says in the Qur'an;
"Surely this Qur'an guides to the Way which is perfectly straight and gives the good news to the believers who do good that they shall have a magnificent reward." (Qur'an, 17: 9)
Muslims dedicate most of their childhood to learning to read and finishing this extremely unique book, after learning and finishing the Qur'an, Muslims are encouraged to continue to re-read for the rest of their lives due to the great amount of reward laying in the afterlife for this act. Millions of Muslims have memorized the whole book by heart in Arabic all over the world, and most of them don't even speak Arabic!
In summary, The Qur'an deals with man and his ultimate goal in life. Its teachings cover all areas of this life and the life after death. It contains principles, doctrines and directions for every sphere of human life. The theme of the Qur'an broadly consists of three fundamental ideas: Oneness of Allah, Prophet Hood and life after death. The success of human beings on this earth and in the life hereafter depends on obedience to the Qur'anic teaching.
The excellence of the Tilaawat (Qur'anic recital)
The Qur'an is the most precious item to a Muslim. It is the holy book of Muslims, which teaches people guidance to the right path and explains the law set by Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) for those who want to seek a successful hereafter, Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) says in the Qur'an;
Muslims dedicate most of their childhood to learning to read and finishing this extremely unique book, after learning and finishing the Qur'an, Muslims are encouraged to continue to re-read for the rest of their lives due to the great amount of reward laying in the afterlife for this act. Millions of Muslims have memorized the whole book by heart in Arabic all over the world, and most of them don't even speak Arabic!
In summary, The Qur'an deals with man and his ultimate goal in life. Its teachings cover all areas of this life and the life after death. It contains principles, doctrines and directions for every sphere of human life. The theme of the Qur'an broadly consists of three fundamental ideas: Oneness of Allah, Prophet Hood and life after death. The success of human beings on this earth and in the life hereafter depends on obedience to the Qur'anic teaching.
The excellence of the Tilaawat (Qur'anic recital)
• Sayyidina Hazrat Ayisha (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anha) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "The one who recites the Qur'an and is well versed in it will be in the company of the angels who are all noble and righteous, and the one who recites and falters in it and has difficulty in reciting it, (yet he recites it), will receive a twofold reward." (Bukhari, Muslim)
• Hazrat Abi Umamah Baa-hiliy (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "You all (shall) recite the Qur'an, for it will intercede for its reciters on the day of resurrection (Qiyaamat)." (Muslim)
• Hazrat Ali (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "Whoever reads the Qur'an and memorizes it and regards what it makes lawful as lawful and its unlawful as forbidden, will be admitted to Jannah (Paradise) by Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala). Allah will also accept his intercession in respect of ten of his family members on whom Jahannum (Hell) was binding." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)
• Hazrat Abu Hurayrah (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "Concerning Allah's words: Surely the recital of the Qur'an at dawn is witnessed; the angels of the night and the angels of the day are present at it." (Transmitted by Tirmidhi)
• Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "On the Day of Judgement, it will be said to the man devoted to the Qur'an, go on reciting the Qur'an and continue ascending the storeys of Paradise and recite in the slow manner you had been reciting in the worldly life. Your final abode will be where you reach at the time you recite the last Ayah (verse)." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)
• Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (Radi Allaahu Ta'ala 'anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi Wa-Sallam) said; "Whoever recites a letter from the Qur'an, there is for him a one good deed and one good deed reward ten times, I do not say that (ا لم) is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter." (Tirmidhi)
Allah said in the Qur'an:
"He that doeth good shall have ten times as much to his credit."
(Qur'an, 6: 160)
In the month of Ramadan, one good deed multiplied with 70 times it likeness up to 700 reward(Qur'an, 6: 160)
Du'a
"O Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala), let us be of those who recite the Holy Qur'an well and understand its explicit meanings, as well as the hidden meaning."
"O Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala), make the light of the Holy Qur'an the delight of our hearts, the light of our souls and the relief of our sorrows and griefs, and to guide and drive us to Jannat Al Firdous." (Aameen)
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every person who has unselfishly given of their time towards the establishment of this website. May the Almighty Allah reward them in abundance.
We ask Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) to bless this project and by His Will and Mercy to enable us all to benefit from the knowledge therein, only seeking the Pleasure of Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala).
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure there are no errors or discrepancies in this programme, if any are found however, I urge you to please bring them to my attention. Also, please feel free to forward any feedback or questions. This can be done via the 'contact us' option displayed on the Top page.
"O Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala), let us be of those who recite the Holy Qur'an well and understand its explicit meanings, as well as the hidden meaning."
"O Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala), make the light of the Holy Qur'an the delight of our hearts, the light of our souls and the relief of our sorrows and griefs, and to guide and drive us to Jannat Al Firdous." (Aameen)
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every person who has unselfishly given of their time towards the establishment of this website. May the Almighty Allah reward them in abundance.
We ask Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala) to bless this project and by His Will and Mercy to enable us all to benefit from the knowledge therein, only seeking the Pleasure of Allah (Subhaa-nahu Wa-Ta'ala).
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure there are no errors or discrepancies in this programme, if any are found however, I urge you to please bring them to my attention. Also, please feel free to forward any feedback or questions. This can be done via the 'contact us' option displayed on the Top page.