A Review of 'Tajwīd: Principles of Qur’ānic Recitation'

What if you could master Tajwid in one read?

Even though many Muslims struggle with it and yearn for it, reciting the Qur’ān, the very Book they’re commanded to read with ‘Tajwīd’, is an individual obligation, not a communal one. What if a single book could make this journey easier? That’s where today’s featured book comes in.

“Tajwīd : Principles of Qur’ānic Recitation” is the first book in a 60-day challenge I’ve embarked on: reading 200 books in 60 days. Yesterday marked Day One, and I read two books. This newsletter reviews the first of these two books.

Why this challenge?

Over 15 days ago, I announced that I would attempt to read 200 books, mostly Islamic and beneficial texts, with a few non-fiction, self-help books. The goal is to enjoy the next 60 days, far from academic exercises and extremely less time on social, it’s a fundraiser for a digital library I’m building under Fajr Books.

The Vision?

A platform where Muslims can access e-books without needing physical copies. A space for creators and authors to upload and share their works freely or at a price they set. We want Islamic knowledge to be accessible, easy, legal, and ongoing: a Sadaqah Jāriyah, in shaa Allāh.

Back to the book. Ustadh Hassan Tahir, a Nigerian writer, authors the book ‘Tajwīd’. It’s presented in a Q&A format reminiscent of the classic Hidāyat al-Mustafīd, making it ideal for both students and teachers. At just 96 pages, with a minimum of a 4-hour reading time or more (if you are applying the lessons and cross-checking its Qur’ānic references), it covers essential Tajwīd rules for beginners and intermediates, includes notes on Qirā’āt, a table of reciters (Qurrā) and their transmitters (Ruwāh), and is written mostly in English.

You can buy the book here at just NGN 4000

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Summary of the Book

Tajwīd is the science that governs the correct pronunciation of the letters and words of the Qur’ān. It ensures that the Qur’ān is recited exactly as it was revealed and taught by the Prophet ﷺ. Practising Tajwīd is an obligation upon every Muslim, and neglecting it (reciting without Tajwīd ) is a sin.

Content of the Book

The book covers a wide range of topics, beginning with the conceptual definitions of Tajwīd and moving into the detailed rules governing istiʿādhah and basmalah. It discusses the principles related to nūn sākinah and tanwīn, mīm sākinah, and vowelless lām. It explains the rulings on mudūd (elongation), as well as the proper articulation and characteristics of the letters (makhārij and ṣifāt al-ḥurūf).

It also includes rules for the letters lām and rā’, assimilation (idghām), and the handling of the ḥamzah of qaṭʿ and waṣl. The book explains important concepts in recitation such as al-waqf (pausing), as-sakt (brief silence), ar-rawm (partial pronunciation), and al-ishmām (lip-rounding without voice). Special notes are provided on the rules to observe when reciting in the Ḥafṣ ʿan ʿĀṣim narration.

Further sections address the types and categories of mistakes in recitation, the etiquette and spiritual importance of reciting the Qur’ān, and brief insights into the early scholars who formalised Tajwīd. The book also covers the takbīr at the end of certain sūrahs, the various qirāʾāt (canonical readings), the well-known qurrāʾ (reciters) and their ruwāh (transmitters). It ends with the Arabic text and English translation of the instructional Tajwīd poem Tuḥfat al-Aṭfāl.

Note: This is my third time reading this book, so its contents are familiar. Still, in honour of the review, I’ll share eight lessons I found worth highlighting. Tajwīd cannot be fully taught in a single post, so this is not a Tajwīd lesson but a highlight of key takeaways from the book:

1. The practical rule-setter of Tajwīd is the Prophet ﷺ. The Qur’ān was revealed to him with Tajwīd, and he taught it to the Companions, who passed it down through the generations.

2. The theoretical formulation of Tajwīd was established by scholars of Qur’ānic sciences such as Khalīl al-Farāhīdī and Abū ʿUbayd al-Qāsim ibn Sallām.

3. Learning the theory of Tajwīd is a communal obligation (farḍ kifāyah). The correct application during recitation is an individual obligation (farḍ ʿayn).

4. One who recites the Qur’ān without Tajwīd is sinful if they are not making a genuine effort to learn it.

5. At-Tartīl (measured and precise recitation) is compulsory regardless of speed—whether fast (al-Ḥadr), moderate (at-Tadwīr), or slow (at-Taḥqīq).

6. The istiʿādhah (aʿūdhu billāhi min al-shayṭān al-rajīm) must be recited at the beginning of every recitation, whether starting from the beginning or middle of a sūrah.

7. Istiʿādhah should be said aloud in congregations or public recitations and silently when reciting alone or at the beginning of ṣalāh.

8. The recitation of the basmalah (bismiLlāhi al-Raḥmāni al-Raḥīm) depends on whether the recitation begins at the start of a sūrah. There are cases where its recitation is not permitted.

9. Understanding the rules of al-Waqf (pausing) prevents distortion of meanings. Incorrect waqf may lead to sinful misinterpretation.

10. Mistakes in recitation (al-Laḥn) are divided into:

• al-Laḥn al-Jalī (clear and manifest error): sinful and punishable.

• al-Laḥn al-Khafī (subtle error): makrūh (highly discouraged).

11. Etiquette of recitation includes:

• Being in a state of ṭahārah (purity)

• A clean and quiet space

• Presence of heart and consciousness of Allāh

• Reflecting on the meanings

• Full attention, avoiding distractions

• Facing the qiblah if possible

• Using the siwāk before beginning recitation

Strenghts

1. One of the book’s strengths is its Q&A format, which reflects an established method of teaching from the Sunnah. Jibrīl (ʿalayhis-salām) used this method in the second ḥadīth of Nawawī’s collection when he questioned the Prophet ﷺ about Islām, Īmān, and Iḥsān. After Jibrīl left, the Prophet ﷺ asked ʿUmar if he knew who the questioner was. When ʿUmar replied that he did not know, the Prophet ﷺ said, “That was Jibrīl. Atākum yuʿallimukum dīnakum” (he came to TEACH you your religion). The Prophet ﷺ also used this approach with his companions in various contexts, asking questions such as, “Do you know what the rights of Allāh are over His servants?” (asked to Muʿādh ibn Jabal), “What is the greatest āyah in the Qur’ān?” (asked to Ubayy ibn Kaʿb), and “What is the best of Allāh’s Names?” This method encourages reflection and active learning, as the Prophet ﷺ engaged his companions in dialogue to deepen their understanding.

2. Another strength of the book is its use of language that remains relatively simple, allowing someone who speaks and understands English to read it without feeling overwhelmed by too much Arabic. The Arabic phrases are often translated, and at times, they are even explained in detail to clarify their meanings. This makes it accessible to readers who are not complete beginners, helping them understand many of the concepts more easily.

3. Another strength is the use of acronyms and mnemonics, which is not exclusive to this book but is common in Tajwīd in general. Many of the principles are applied to specific or groups of letters, and acronyms or mnemonic phrases are used to help with memorization. For example, the acronyms might apply to six letters or more, helping to simplify complex rules. These letter-based phrases, acronyms, or mnemonics make it easier to remember the rules. Many of these are also included in the poem, Tuhfat al-Atfāl. In general, Tajwīd is often taught using such phrases formed with letters to help categorize rules and make them easier to recall.

4. Another strength is that, like most Tajwīd books or classes, it provides plenty of examples and very detailed explanations. The explanations are extensive but not overwhelming. Despite covering a lot of material, it does so within 100 pages, so while it may not be the most comprehensive Tajwīd book available, it is sufficient for experienced beginners. It’s especially helpful for someone who is still in the early stages. It's also a good resource for someone who has previously studied Tajwīd and just needs a refresher or revision of the rules without being overloaded with information. It serves its purpose well, though it’s not exhaustive for beginners.

Hopes

I believe this book is the 6th edition, so a lot of improvements have been made over the years. If you're planning to get a copy, make sure you choose the 6th edition, as I believe there are still areas for improvement. For example, as I mentioned, it may not be completely sufficient for a beginner unless a teacher is involved. There are other Tajwīd books specifically written for beginners that are more comprehensive and detailed, breaking down concepts into baby steps. I wish there had been more breakdowns for beginners in this edition. Even though I’m reading this for the third time, I still find some phrases a bit confusing because they aren't simplified enough, and I often need to reread them to fully understand what is being conveyed.

Other Benefits

• Tables for Classification of Rules

  • Includes tables for rules like Makāhrij and Sifāt (places of articulation and attributes of letters).

• Visuals for Pronunciation

  • Features a diagram of the mouth showing where letters are pronounced.

• Poem of Tuhfat al-Atfāl

  • Includes the Arabic text and its translation.

• Table of Reciters and Their Students

  • Provides a table listing reciters and their students.

• Guidance on Stopping and Starting

  • Includes arrows showing where to stop and start while reciting, especially when explaining Waqf and (Ibtida').

• Visual Aids

  • Despite being in black and white, the book contains helpful visuals to aid understanding.

• References to Ayahs

  • Includes references to many ayahs, with surah numbers written. However, some surahs only have their number listed, which can be confusing for a reader who needs to confirm the surah name.

• Targeted for Hafs' Rendition

  • The book is written for the rendition of Hafs, which is the most popular recitation method, especially in the southwestern parts of Nigeria.

  • If a person is learning a different Riwāyah, this book may not be as useful for their learning.

Rating: 8.5/10

A Reminder Regarding the Purpose of this Challenge

Join Me for “200 Books in 60 Days” — A Reading Challenge with a Mission 📚

As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatuLlāh,

I’m inviting you to something meaningful, purposeful, and exciting: 200 Books in 60 Days. Yes, I’ll be reading two hundred beneficial books in just 60 days, and you’re welcome to join the journey.

Here’s how it works:

📖 Every day, I’ll read at least one full book. If the book is under 200 pages, I must start another one that same day until I hit a minimum of 200 pages daily.

📘 If the book is above 200 pages, I’ll complete it, no skipping or postponing.

💡 I’ll also be sharing summaries, insights, and reflections with you throughout the challenge.

But,I am only human. I do not expect this to be perfect.

This is also not only for fun, even though I know it will be.

However, the purpose of this challenge is to fundraise for a digital-first Islamic bookshop on my bookshop’s website, and this challenge is my launch pad.

✨ Why this matters:

This is a website doubling as a digital library. It’s a full-fledged platform that brings:

— Freely distributed Islamic eBooks and ePubs

— Digitally published works by Muslim authors

— Workbooks, journals, and planners

— An accessible space for writers and content creators to sell their digital products

— And yes, easy purchase options for physical Islamic books

The platform is designed to support both readers and creators — a bridge between those seeking knowledge and those creating value for the Ummah.

As someone who’s spent years both consuming and creating Islamic content, I know how hard it is to find a trustworthy platform that makes legal access easy and authorship rewarding. That’s what we’re building, and this reading challenge is Phase I of our Knowledge at Your Fingertips project.

🤝 The donation is optional, but your support will go a long way. Every naira, every dollar, helps us bring this to life.

📥 You can read more and donate through the link below. Bank transfer is also available.

📬 You can also sign up for my Newsletter to follow my progress, get inspired, or even read along with me.

Bārakallahu feekum always.

Let’s build something that benefits generations.

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