VI.—The Recital and Reading of the Qurʾān. Tilāwah (تلاوة)
Tilāwah (تلاوة), or “the recital of the Qurʾān,” is a practice that includes precise rules and traditions, and has evolved into a detailed science known as ʿIlmu ʾt-Tajwīd (علم التجويد). The term ‘Tilāwah’ comes from the root verb “tala,” which means “to follow” or “to read.” It emphasizes the systematic and ritualistic reading of the Qurʾān, encompassing various elements such as pronunciation, intonation, and interpretation.
Science of ʿIlmu ʾt-Tajwīd (علم التجويد)
ʿIlmu ʾt-Tajwīd involves:
- Spelling Peculiarities: Understanding the unique orthography of Qurʾānic words.
- Qirāʾāt (قراءات): Knowledge of the various accepted readings of the Qurʾān.
- Ejaculations and Responses: Knowing appropriate exclamations and prayers to close certain passages.
- Divisions and Punctuations: Familiarity with the different segments of the Qurʾān, proper punctuation, and marginal notes.
- Pronunciation and Intonation: Ensuring correct articulation of Arabic words and the proper tone for each section.
Rituals and Etiquette
Reciting the Qurʾān (Tilāwah) should begin with legal ablution (Wudu) and a prayer, often “I seek protection from God against the cursed Satan!” followed by “In the name of God the Merciful, the Compassionate!” Traditional settings for Tilāwah include mosques, with specific days like Friday, Monday, and Thursday considered most suitable.
Qurʾānic Reading Traditions
- Daily Recitation: Commonly, the Qurʾān is divided into 30 parts (juz’) allowing completion in a month.
- Weekly Recitation: Division into seven parts (manzils) for completion in a week.
- Minimum Duration: It is advised not to finish the Qurʾān in less than three days.
Special Practices during Tilāwah
- Amin: Responding with “Amen” at certain verses (e.g., end of Sūratu ʾl-Fātiḥah (i.)).
- Specific Phrases: After certain verses, specific sentences are recited (e.g., God is great!).
- Ayātu ʾs-Sajdah: Fourteen prostrations (sajdah) are associated with specific verses across different Surahs.
Schools of Pronunciation
Seven notable schools, known as Qurrāʾu ʾs-Sabʿah, have established authoritative pronunciations. Examples include:
- Nafiʿ ibn ‘Abd ar-Rahman (Medina)
- Abu ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ala’ (Basra) For details on these and more, refer to [QARI].
Mysterious Letters (Muqattaʿat)
Twenty-nine Surahs of the Qurʾān begin with Arabic letters whose meanings are debated among scholars. Examples include:
- Alif, Lām, Mīm (الم)
- Kāf, Hā, Yā, ‘Ain, Ṣād (كهيعص) Suggestions span from divine attributes to specific commands recorded by scribes.
Symbols and Pauses
Mr. Sell’s “Ilm i Tajwid” (Keys & Co., Madras, 1852) extensively details various margin symbols, specifying where pauses and breaths are appropriate. For instance:
- o: Full stop.
- سكنة: Slight pause without breath.
Books for Further Studies
- “Ilm i Tajwid” by Mr. Sell
- “An Introduction to the Science of Tajwid” by Muhammad Ibrahim Surty
- “Readings in Classical Tajwid” by several scholars
Takeaways
Tilāwah and the science of Tajwīd are integral to Islamic practice, ensuring correct and respectful recitation of the Qurʾān. The detailed traditions not only preserve the sound and meaning of the text but also connect reciters to centuries of scholarly interpretation and spiritual practice.
Conclusion
Tilāwah transcends mere reading; it’s a disciplined, spiritual practice grounded in centuries of tradition. Mastering Tilāwah and Tajwīd is not merely an academic pursuit but a form of worship that seeks to deeply engage with the divine words of the Qurʾān.
Remembering and adhering to these aspects fortify the spiritual and communal bonds among Muslims, emphasizing the sacred nature of the Qurʾān in daily life.
