Tajwid (Proper Quran Recitation)

Tajwid (Arabic: تجويد) means "improvement" or "perfection" and is the science of reciting the Quran with correct pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. Tajwid ensures that the Quran's words are pronounced as they were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and preserves the text's authenticity.

Tajwid is important for the prayer's validity, as incorrect recitation can change the meaning of the Quranic verses and potentially invalidate the prayer. In Shia fiqh, it is required to recite Al-Fatiha and the other surahs correctly during prayer. Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "The Quran was revealed in Arabic, so recite it as it was revealed" (Al-Kafi, vol. 2).

The rules of tajwid include: correct pronunciation of the Arabic letters from their respective articulation points (makharij al-huruf), rules for nasalization (ghunnah), rules for elongation (madd), rules for assimilation (idgham), rules for concealment (ikhfa'), and rules for starting and stopping (waqf and ibtida'). The Quran itself says: "And recite the Quran with careful recitation (tartil)" (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:4).

Learning tajwid is an Islamic duty to the extent necessary for correct prayer. Many mosques and husayniyyahs offer tajwid instruction, and there are numerous online resources available. In Shia tradition, Quran recitation with a beautiful voice (tartil) is particularly recommended. Imam al-Sadiq said: "Beautify the Quran with your voices, for the beautiful voice increases the Quran's beauty" (Al-Kafi, vol. 2). Tajwid is both a science and an art that enriches prayer and Quran recitation.