Stages of Tajweed Rules (Noorani Qaida)

Tajweed refers to the proper recitation and pronunciation of the Quran according to the rules articulated by Islamic scholars. These rules govern how each letter and word should be recited, including aspects like pronunciation, vowelization, assimilation, and elongation. The tajweed rules can be categorized into several stages that reflect the progression a student goes through in mastering proper Quranic recitation.

Basic Rules of Makharij and Sifaat

The first stage focuses on the makharij, or articulation points, of each Arabic letter. This refers to understanding where in the mouth each letter is produced. For example, the letter “ح” (haa) is articulated from the deepest part of the throat while the letter “ب” (baa) is articulated from the two lips. Related to the makharij are the sifaat, or attributes, of each letter. This refers to identifying the characteristics of each letter, such as whether it is pronounced clearly or in a whisper. Mastering the makharij and sifaat allows students to pronounce each letter correctly from its proper articulation point.

Idgham Rules

The next stage involves idgham, which refers to the assimilation or merging of certain letters into others in fluent recitation. There are two main types of idgham. The first is idgham with a ghunnah, which happens when a noon saakinah or tanween meets specific letters (like ن م - “nun meem”). The second type is idgham without ghunnah, which happens when a lam saakinah meets certain letters (like ل ب - “lam baa”). The idgham rules guide how to correctly merge letter sounds while reciting fluently at a faster pace. Mastering idgham is important for beautifying the recitation and avoiding mispronunciations.

Rules of Madd and Qalqalah

The third stage focuses on madd and qalqalah rules. Madd refers to the elongation or prolongation of certain letter sounds. There are three lengths of madd: two harakat, four harakat, and six harakat. The madd rules specify which letters are elongated and to what length when reciting. Qalqalah refers to the vibration or echoing sound made when certain letters like ج qaf and ط ta are recited with a sukoon. The qalqalah rules govern which letters should have this vibratory effect and how to produce it correctly. Applying these rules adds beauty and rhythm to the recitation.

Rules of Waqf and Ibtidaa’

The next stage covers rules of waqf and ibtidaa’. Waqf refers to stopping or pausing during recitation at the end of a verse or meaningful phrase. Ibtidaa’ refers to continuing or restarting the recitation thereafter. The rules of waqf and ibtidaa’ guide where and how long to stop when reciting, as well as how to restart the recitation with the proper pronunciation thereafter. Observing these rules helps segment the recitation meaningfully and pronounce words accurately after stopping.

Rules of Hams and Tafkheem

The fifth stage involves hams and tafkheem rules. Hams refers to the softening of the noon saakinah or tanween when it meets certain letters. For example, the noon is softened when reciting ن ر - “noon raa”. Tafkheem refers to the heavy articulation of certain letters like ظ tha and ض dhad by filling the mouth with air when pronouncing them. The rules outline which letters should be softened or heavily articulated in order to perfect their sound. Applying these advanced rules adds depth and precision to the recitation.

Rules of Raa’ and Laam

The next stage focuses specifically on the rules of raa’ and laam letters. There are detailed rules on the correct pronunciation of raa’ depending on whether it is recited clearly or with merger (idgham). For laam letters, there are rules about pronouncing laam with a fat-hah versus laam in a word like الله. Mastering the rules of raa’ and laam is key to perfecting the articulation of these common letters which feature in many Quranic words.

Rules of Meem and Noon Saakinah

This stage covers the rules of meem and noon saakinah letters. The meem rules focus on pronouncing meem clearly and with the full rounding of lips. The noon saakinah rules detail how to correctly pronounce this letter based on its position in a word, whether at the start, middle, or end. The noon saakinah can be pronounced clearly, with idgham, or with iqlab to become a meem depending on circumstances outlined in the rules. Applying these rules for meem and noon saakinah leads to their proper articulation.

Rules of Lam Jalalah and Ra’ Jalalah

More advanced rules include those governing “lam jalalah” and “ra’ jalalah”. Lam jalalah refers to the laam letter in the word اللّٰهِ (Allah). It requires special pronunciation as a heavy laam from the sides of the tongue. Ra’ jalalah refers to the ra’ letter in certain Quranic words that denote greatness or majesty of Allah. It requires articulation from the deepest part of the throat. Adhering to the intricate rules of lam jalalah and ra’ jalalah adds a layer of perfection in articulating the names and attributes of Allah.

Tartil and Tajweed Errors to Avoid

The final stage focuses on tartil and common tajweed errors. Tartil involves reciting the Quran at a measured pace, with precision and beauty. The rules emphasize avoiding errors like mispronouncing letters, ignoring vowels, misapplying rules, or beautifying the voice inappropriately. The goal is to recite with both tartil and tajweed in a manner pleasing to Allah. This requires mastering all the preceding rules, proper application during recitation, and developing a sincerity to convey the true meanings.

In summary, mastering Arabic tajweed, Noorani Qaida entails progressing through these cumulative stages of applying rules related to makharij, sifaat, idgham, madd, waqf, raa’, laam, tartil, and more. Implementing these rules helps perfect pronunciation and convey the meanings of the Quran as intended. Tajweed study requires dedication, practice, and correction by qualified teachers. The benefits include accurate and beautiful recitation that uplifts and transforms the reciter and listeners.