Zulaykha Abodunrin
Like many of us, I grew up learning the Quran without tajweed. I didn’t have access to teachers who teach Quranic tajweed in the real sense, my recitation was filled with every error possible. From pronouncing ha as heu, kaf as kef and so many other errrors. I grew up knowing something was wrong with my recitation but I didn’t know exactly what it was. It didn’t sound anything like those Reciters at Ka’abah from the CDs my father plays.
Pronunciation and spelling mistakes and difficulty in pronouncing Arabic alphabets are just some of the issues that I encountered while reciting the Quran without tajweed.
I am sure that this happens to a lot of Muslims too. Depending on where you learned about Islam and the teachers that you had access to, (especially some Alfas at different Ile.Keu) you may be one of the people who learned the Quran without tajweed.
Tajweed is very important in the knowledge of the Quran. It is the knowledge of how words are pronounced, attributes and characteristics of Arabic words, when to pause, stop or continue during the recitation of the Quran, etc. Tajweed is what makes our recitation perfect the way that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) received and recited the Quran.
Beyond fixing your pronunciation and other things, the knowledge of Tajweed actually helps you in your journey to moving closer to the Quran, in the following ways.
Improves your Concentration
The knowledge of Tajweed improves your concentration while reciting the Quran because, in an effort to get your words right and not pronounce them incorrectly, you are actually going to focus more on what you are saying. Your relationship with the Quran takes on even more depth when you are patient and reciting the way that it should be recited Insha’Allah.
Improves Recitation
If you are moved by a Qari’s recitation and wonder how you can ever recite the Quran that way, then know that the knowledge of Tajweed is what you need. The perfect pronunciation of Arabic alphabets can greatly improve your recitation of the Quran. When you understand Quranic Tajweed, you are able to give every alphabet its right, and what comes out of your mouth will be something that is beautiful to listen to, Insha’Allah.
Improves Your Understanding of the Quran
For many people, learning to recite the Quran with proper Tajweed also comes with learning to understand what the Quran says. It is possible to learn Tajweed without comprehending Arabic, but most times, you find that even your knowledge of Tajweed helps you understand a lot of things in the Quran.
