The Qur’an is the divine word of Allah ﷻ — revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, written in the Mus’haf, miraculous in its wording and meaning, and preserved through generations. One of the essential sciences related to the Qur’an is Tajweed — the art of reciting the Qur’an with precision and beauty.
Learning Tajweed helps Muslims recite the Qur’an the way it was revealed, with proper pronunciation, clarity, and respect. As Allah ﷻ says:
{الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَتْلُونَهُ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِ}
“Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:121
Let’s explore some of the most renowned books in this field and understand what Tajweed really means and why it matters.
📚 Most Famous Books on Tajweed Rules
Many scholars have authored detailed works on Tajweed. Here are some of the most widely recognized and respected books:
- التحديد في الإتقان والتجويد – by Abu ‘Amr al-Dani
- التمهيد في علم التجويد – by Ibn al-Jazari
- المقدمة الجزرية – by Ibn al-Jazari
- بغية المستفيد في علم التجويد – by Muhammad bin Badr al-Din Ibn Balban al-Hanbali
- العميد في علم التجويد – by Mahmoud Ali Bassa al-Masri
- هداية القاري إلى تجويد كلام الباري – by Abdul-Fattah al-Marsafi
- الوجيز في علم التجويد – by Mahmoud Sibawayh al-Badawi
- فتح رب البرية شرح المقدمة الجزرية – by Safwat Mahmoud Salem
- المختصر المفيد في علم التجويد – by Ismail bin Ibrahim al-Sharqawi
- غاية المريد في علم التجويد – by Atiyyah Qabil Nasr
- معلم التجويد – by Dr. Khalid al-Juraissi
- الميزان في أحكام تجويد القرآن – by Faryal Zakariya al-Abd
- القول السديد في علم التجويد – by Ali Allah bin Ali Abu al-Wafa
- تحفة الأطفال والغلمان في تجويد القرآن – by Sulayman al-Jamzuri
These books range from beginner-friendly texts to advanced treatises — perfect for every student of the Qur’an.
💬 What Does “Tajweed” Mean?
Let’s break it down:
- Linguistically, Tajweed (تجويد) comes from the root word jawwada (جوّد), meaning “to improve” or “to make better.” So, Tajweed means “enhancement” or “beautification.”
- Technically, scholars of Qur’anic sciences define Tajweed as: Giving each letter its due right — from articulation points (makharij) and inherent attributes (sifat), such as elevation, softness, merging (idgham), and clarity (izhar), while avoiding exaggeration or neglect.
As Ibn al-Jazari beautifully put it:
“إعطاء الحروف حقوقها، وترتيبها مراتبها، وردّ الحرف إلى مخرجه وأصله…”
“Giving each letter its due, organizing its levels, returning it to its origin, and articulating it gently as per its form — without excess or carelessness.”
— Ibn al-Jazari, Al-Tamhid fi ‘Ilm al-Tajweed, p. 47
⚖️ What’s the Ruling on Learning Tajweed?
Here’s where it gets interesting.
- Theoretical knowledge of Tajweed (like knowing its rules) is a communal obligation (fard kifayah). Not every Muslim must learn it, but a group among the community must. Allah ﷻ says:
{وَما كانَ المُؤمِنونَ لِيَنفِروا كافَّةً فَلَولا نَفَرَ مِن كُلِّ فِرقَةٍ مِنهُم طائِفَةٌ لِيَتَفَقَّهوا فِي الدّينِ}
“And it is not for the believers to go forth [to battle] all at once. For there should separate from every division of them a group [remaining] to obtain understanding in the religion.”
— Surah At-Tawbah, 9:122
- However, practical application of certain Tajweed rules is individually obligatory (fard ‘ayn) — especially rules that protect the correct meaning, like:
- Distinguishing between similar-sounding letters
- Correct articulation that avoids distortion of words
- As for advanced Tajweed (like fine-tuning pronunciation or beautification), it’s recommended but not obligatory.
In summary:
| Type of Rule | Obligation Level |
|---|---|
| Basic rules (to prevent errors) | Fard ‘Ayn (individual duty) |
| Theoretical knowledge | Fard Kifayah (communal duty) |
| Beautification or advanced rules | Sunnah (recommended) |
🌟 Want to Learn Tajweed the Right Way?
If you’re inspired to dive deeper into the art of Quran recitation, the best way to learn Tajweed is through one-on-one guidance from qualified teachers.
We offer online Quran classes tailored to your level — whether you’re just starting or looking to master advanced rules. Learn at your pace, from the comfort of home, with native Arabic instructors who specialize in Tajweed and recitation.
👉 Explore our online Quran classes and start your journey today.