What Is Tafkheem And Tarqeeq
In the study of Tajweed, the science of correct pronunciation of the Quran, two essential concepts stand out: “Tafkheem and Tarqeeq“.
Since these ideas dictate how specific letters should be spoken, understanding them is necessary for correctly reciting the Quran. When “Tafkheem and Tarqeeq” are used correctly, to Improve Quran Recitation Voice by following Tajweed Rules while affecting its sound, sound, and depth.
Key Takeaways
- Tafkheem and Tarqeeq are vital parts of Tajweed, the Islamic science of reciting the Quran right.
- Tafkheem is about saying certain letters with a ‘Heavy’ sound. Tarqeeq is about saying them with a ‘Light’ sound.
- Knowing how to pronounce Tafkheem and Tarqeeq is key for clear and beautiful Quran recitation.
- Learning Tafkheem and Tarqeeq can make you better at Tajweed Quran.
Tafkheem And Tarqeeq Meaning
Tafkheem Meaning
The literal meaning of Tafkheem (تفخيم) is “making something thick” or “heaviness.” Tafkheem, as used in Quranic recitation, describes how some letters become thicker or heavier, producing a deep, resonant sound. Tafkheem produces a stronger, more intense sound when a letter is uttered because it raises the back of the tongue to the roof of the mouth.
Tarqeeq Meaning
In contrast, Tarqeeq (ترقيق) implies “making something thin” or “lightness.” Tarqeeq, as used in Tajweed, describes how some letters are thinned or lightened to produce a softer, lighter sound. The tongue stays lower when pronouncing a letter with Tarqeeq, producing a lighter, more distinct sound.
Since improper use of Tafkheem or Tarqeeq can change the meaning of words, it is essential to understand and use these two ideas correctly in order to preserve the Qur’anic eloquence and meaning.
Tafkheem and Tarqeeq Letters
Tafkheem Letters
There are “7 Tafkheem Letters” that are always pronounced with Tafkheem are known as “Mufakham” (Heavy) Letters. These “7 Tafkheem Letters” are known as the Istia’la (استعلاء) letters because they require the back of the tongue to rise toward the roof of the mouth when pronounced.
In Tajweed, seven letters are always pronounced with Tafkheem, which means they have a heaviness or fullness in their pronunciation. These letters are crucial for accurate Quran recitation:
- خ (Kha): Pronounced like a strong “kh” sound, this letter is always heavy, no matter where it appears in a word.
- غ (Ghayn): This letter produces a deep “gh” sound and is consistently heavy in pronunciation.
- ص (Sad): Pronounced as a strong “s” sound, Sad is always heavy and adds weight to the pronunciation.
- ض (Dhaad): Similar to Sad but with a heavier emphasis, Dhaad creates a resonating sound in the mouth.
- ط (Ta): One of the strongest Tafkheem letters, Ta is pronounced with significant force and heaviness.
- ظ (Dha): Similar to Dhaad but slightly weaker in strength, Dha also carries a heavy sound.
- ق (Qaf): Qaf produces a deep “q” sound and is consistently heavy, contributing to the resonance in pronunciation.
Tarqeeq Letters
Thers are “20 Tarqeeq Letters“ as all of the Arabic Alphabets are Tarqqeq Letters with the exception of 7 Tafkheem Letters.
In Tajweed, most Arabic letters are considered Tarqeeq Letters, known for their light sound quality. To recognize them, we exclude Tafkheem letters (ط – ض- ص – ظ – غ – خ) and those that can be light or heavy (ر- ل – ا).
These Tarqeeq Letters always follow the rule of lightness, meaning they should sound light when pronounced. However, three exceptions exist (ا – ل – ر), which can sometimes sound heavy.
Let’s delve into examples of Tarqeeq Letters:
- Taa (ت): In the phrase “إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا” (Inna Hu Kaana Tawwaban), the letter Taa (ت) is pronounced lightly.
- Seen (س): In “رَبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا الرَّحْمَنِ” (Rabbi As-Samawati Wal-Ardi Wa Ma Baynahuma Ar-Rahman), Seen (س) is another example of a Tarqeeq Letter.
- Meem (م): Look at “الرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ” (Ar-Rahmanu ‘Allama Al-Qur’an) to hear the light sound of Meem (م).
Learning about Tafkheem and Tarqeeq improves your Quran Recitation with Tajweed. It also strengthens your bond with the Quran.
Special Tafkheem and Tarqeeq Cases
While the above lists are straightforward, some letters require a more nuanced approach depending on the surrounding vowels or context.
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Examples of Tafkheem And Tarqeeq of Raa
Tafkheem of Raa Examples
- Raa is usually said with Tafkheem when it comes before a letter with Fatha. For example, in رَاعِي (ra’i, meaning “shepherd”) and بَارَك (baraka, meaning “to bless”).
- It’s also said with Tafkheem when it comes after a letter with Dammah. This is seen in words like رُوْحِي (roohi, meaning “my soul”) and نُرِيْد (nureed, meaning “we want”).
- When Raa is in the middle of a word with Fatha before it, it’s also Tafkheem. This is the case in إِرْتَدَى (irtada, meaning “to wear”) and غَرْف (gharf, meaning “rooms”).
Tarqeeq of Raa Examples
- Raa is said with Tarqeeq when it comes before a letter with Kasrah. This is seen in words like رِجَال (rijaal, meaning “men”) and سِرِّي (sirri, meaning “my secret”).
- It’s also Tarqeeq when it comes after a letter with Kasrah. Examples include تَبْرِيْر (tabriir, meaning “justification”) and عَرِيْض (ʿariid, meaning “wide”).
- At the end of a word, Raa is also Tarqeeq. This is true for words like قَمَر (qamar, meaning “moon”) and بَشَر (bashar, meaning “human being”).
- Knowing how to pronounce Raa correctly is key for reading the Quran and Arabic texts well.
“The correct application of Tafkheem and Tarqeeq “Heavy and Light Letters” in pronouncing the letter Raa is a fundamental aspect of Tajweed that must be mastered by all students of the Quran”
Tafkheem and Tarqeeq Mechanism
There are several physiological systems involved in the proper application of Tafkheem and Tarqeeq. The rear of the tongue rises in Tafkheem, covering the vocal area. As a result, the sound might reverberate and acquire a “deep” or “thick” sound. On the other hand, tarqeeq is produced by lowering the rear of the tongue and letting the sound flow freely, producing a “light” or “thin” sound.
Tafkheem Points of Articulation
The tongue must be raised toward the roof of the mouth in order to read the heavy letters (Mufakham).
With the mouth cavity somewhat enlarged, the vocal chords create a deeper voice with greater depth.
Tarqeeq Points of Articulation
The tongue stays in a lower or neutral position when writing light letters (Murqqaq).
A lighter, cleaner sound is produced while the mouth cavity stays normal.
Practical Examples of Tafkheem and Tarqeeq Letters
Tafkheem Letters in Action:
- خ – “خَلَقَ” (Kha-laqa) – “He created”
The letter Kha is pronounced with Tafkheem, producing a thick, deep sound.
- ص – “صَبْرًا” (Sabran) – “Patience”
The letter Saad is pronounced with heaviness, giving it a resonant quality.
- ق – “قَدَرَ” (Qadara) – “He decreed”
The letter Qaaf is pronounced with Tafkheem, as it is one of the heaviest letters in the Arabic language.
Tarqeeq Letters in Action:
- ب – “بِسْمِ” (Bismi) – “In the name”
The letter Ba is pronounced lightly, with the sound being clear and crisp.
- ت – “تَوْبَةً” (Tawbah) – “Repentance”
The letter Ta is pronounced with Tarqeeq, creating a soft and gentle sound.
- ك – “كَلِمَةً” (Kalima) – “Word”
The letter Kaaf is pronounced lightly with the tongue not rising as it would with Tafkheem letters.
Special Cases Example:
- Ra in Tafkheem: “رَبِّ” (Rabbi) – “My Lord”
Here, the Ra is pronounced with heaviness because it has a Fatha, resulting in a deep, resonant sound.
- Ra in Tarqeeq: “رِزْقًا” (Rizqan) – “Provision”
Here, the Ra is pronounced lightly due to the Kasrah beneath it, creating a softer sound.
- Lam in Tafkheem (Allah): “وَاللهُ” (Wa-Allahu) – “And Allah”
The Lam is pronounced with Tafkheem because of the Fatha before it, making the sound heavier.
- Lam in Tarqeeq (Allah): “بِاللهِ” (Bi-Allahi) – “In the name of Allah”
The Lam is pronounced lightly because of the Kasrah before it, making the sound softer.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid it!
When it comes to differentiating between Tafkheem and Tarqeeq, many students, especially novices, make mistakes, especially when dealing with letters like Ra and Lam that might possess both qualities. Here are some typical blunders and how to steer clear of them:
1. Misapplying Tarqeeq letters with Tafkheem:
- Mistake: Heavily pronouncing light characters like Taa (ت) or Baa (ب).
- Solution: Get a clear grasp of how each letter should be spoken by practicing with an instructor.
2. Tafkheem letters that are overly lightened:
- Mistake: Speaking too lightly when pronouncing heavy letters like Saad (ص) or Qaaf (ق).
- Solution: Practice the correct articulation points and concentrate on lifting the rear of the tongue.
3. Making Ra and Lam’s circumstances unclear:
- Mistake: Using the incorrect vowel sound to pronounce Ra or Lam.
- Solution: Rehearse the right pronunciation of these letters while being guided by the rules you have learned.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Tafkheem and Tarqeeq Tajweed in Arabic” are key to the Quran’s beauty and accuracy. They help you recite the Quran with respect and precision. By learning and applying these elements, you can enhance your recitation.
Tafkheem and Tarqeeq examples shown here highlight their importance. As you work on mastering Tajweed, getting help from places like Mishkah Academy is crucial. Also, keep practicing the right use of Tafkheem and Tarqeeq.
Improving your Quran recitation is a lifelong journey. But with hard work and the right tools, you can get better. This will also strengthen your bond with the Quran’s words. For kids it’s not easy to learn tafkheem and Tarqeeq, for them enrolling in Quran Classes for Kids is best.
