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This Tajweed rules chart brings all the main rules of Quranic recitation together in one place, for the narration of Hafs from Asim via the Shatibiyyah. Tajweed means giving every letter its right: pronouncing it from its correct point of articulation, with its essential qualities, and applying the rules that come from them. Each section below links to a detailed guide.
Tajweed rules at a glance
| Topic | Rules | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|
| Articulation points | Where each letter comes from: throat, tongue, lips, nasal passage, mouth cavity | Makharij al-Huruf |
| Noon sakinah and tanween | Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, Ikhfa | Noon Sakinah and Tanween |
| Meem sakinah | Ikhfa shafawi, Idgham shafawi, Izhar shafawi | Meem Sakinah rules |
| Ghunnah | Nasal sound of noon and meem, two counts when doubled | see Noon Sakinah |
| Qalqalah | Echo on ق ط ب ج د when they have sukun | Qalqalah |
| Madd | Natural madd (2) and secondary madd caused by hamzah or sukun | Types of Madd |
| Heavy and light letters | خ ص ض غ ط ق ظ are always heavy; ر and the ل of Allah vary | Learn Tajweed online |
| Stopping | Stop signs in the Mushaf and how to stop on a word | Learn Quran with Tajweed |
Where should a beginner start?
- If you cannot read Arabic yet: start with the Noorani Qaida.
- If you read with mistakes: start with the articulation points and qualities of letters.
- If you read correctly: move on to noon and meem sakinah, then madd, then stopping.
Why learn Tajweed?
- To recite the Quran as it was revealed and transmitted.
- To avoid clear mistakes that change a letter, a vowel or the meaning.
- To recite beautifully and with confidence in prayer.
Practise the Tajweed rules with a teacher
Tajweed is learned by listening and reciting to a qualified teacher; reading the rules is only the start. At Al-Azhar Message Academy you recite one-to-one on Zoom or Google Meet to a male or female teacher who is an Al-Azhar graduate holding ijazah with a connected sanad, and the teacher corrects you live. Plans start at $40 per month for 8 lessons, and your first 30-minute lesson is free. See Learn Tajweed rules online and Online Quran Classes for Adults.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tajweed rules
What are the main Tajweed rules?
The articulation points and qualities of letters, the rules of noon and meem sakinah, ghunnah, qalqalah, madd, heavy and light letters, and stopping and starting.
Which narration are these rules based on?
Hafs from Asim via the Shatibiyyah, the most widespread narration in the world.
Ready to start? Book your free 30-minute trial lesson now.
Can I learn Tajweed online?
Yes. The most reliable way is to recite to a qualified teacher who corrects you live, which works well in one-to-one online lessons.
Is Al-Azhar Message part of Al-Azhar University?
No. Al-Azhar Message is a private academy and is not affiliated with Al-Azhar. Its teachers are Al-Azhar graduates holding ijazah with a connected sanad.
Start today: one-to-one lessons with Al-Azhar graduates, and a free trial before you pay.