Have you ever noticed the symbols alongside the Quranic script in the Holy Mushaf and wondered what they mean? These symbols are known as Tajweed symbols, and they play a crucial role in Quranic recitation.
Tajweed symbols indicate vowel and non-vowel letters, places to stop and start, specific Tajweed rules, locations for Sujood, and marks the end of verses or chapters. Their presence simplifies Quran recitation, especially for non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with Quranic Arabic, helping them recite with precision.
What Are Tajweed Symbols in the Quran?
Tajweed symbols in the Quran are visual notations and diacritical marks designed to guide the correct pronunciation and recitation of the Quranic text.
As a non-native speaker, you may be curious about what tajweed notations are in the Quran. These symbols were added to the script to help readers accurately recite the Quran without altering the meaning of the verses.
They include signs applied to voweled letters, symbols indicating stopping (waqf) and starting points (ibtidaa’), marks related to Tajweed rules, signs for the end of verses and Hizbs (half chapters), and symbols for Sujud (prostration).
Now, let’s explore in detail the various types of Tajweed symbols found in the Holy Quran, their shapes, and their functions. We will also provide practical examples to help illustrate the purpose of each symbol
1. The Permissible Waqf (صلي)
The first symbol, ‘صلى’, represents ‘Sili’ (connection), which indicates that it is permissible to pause at a certain point, but continuation is preferred. For example, in the verse where the word ربهم appears, it is allowed to pause there; however, it is also acceptable to continue reciting without pausing. This symbol is used to ensure that the flow of the recitation is maintained when appropriate while allowing flexibility in the reciter’s pacing based on their skill and breath.
2. Prohibited Pause (لا)
The second symbol, ‘لا’ (Lā), signifies ‘Not allowed to pause’ at the marked spot. This means that pausing at this point would disrupt the meaning of the verse, so it is essential to continue reciting without stopping.
3. Preferable Pause (قلى)
The third symbol, ‘قلى’ (Qilā), indicates a ‘Preferable pause’. This means that while it is permissible to continue reciting without a break, pausing at this point is recommended to enhance the clarity or meaning of the verse. For example, in the following verse it’s permissible to not stop at ُقليل . however, stopping recitation is preferable.
(قُلْ رَبِّي أَعْلَمُ بِعِدَّتِهِمْ مَا يَعْلَمُهُمْ إِلا قَلِيلٌ ۗ فَلا تُمَارِ فِيهِمْ)
4. Mandatory pause (مـ)
The fourth symbol, ‘𝆑’ (Waqf Laazim), signifies a ‘Mandatory pause’. This means that the reader must stop at this point as continuing without pausing would alter the meaning of the verse or cause confusion. pausing is essential to preserve the integrity and proper understanding of the Quranic text. Failing to pause at this symbol could lead to misinterpretation, making it crucial for the reciter to stop and resume with the next part of the verse. For example,
(إِنَّمَا يَسْتَجِيبُ الَّذِينَ يَسْمَعُونَ ۘ وَالْمَوْتَى يَبْعَثُهُمُ اللَّهُ)
Here, it’s mandatory to pause at the word يسمعون
5.Waqf ja’iz sign (Permissible stop) (ج)
The Waqf Ja’iz sign, represented by ‘ج’, indicates a ‘Permissible stop’. This symbol means that it is allowed to either stop or continue at this point in the recitation without affecting the meaning of the verse. The choice is flexible and left to the reciter, depending on their breath or the flow of the recitation.
(نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ نَبَأَهُمْ بِالْحَقِّ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ فِتْيَةٌ آمَنُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ
Here, it’s permissible to stop recitation at the word بالحق or to connect it with the following word إنهم
Note: In Mishkah Academy “Online tajweed classes” students learn properly about rules of stopping in quran.
Book Free Trial Class Now6. Prolongation symbol (~~)
The Prolongation symbol in the Quran, typically represented by a tilde (~~) or a line over a letter, signifies that the vowel sound should be elongated during recitation. This symbol is essential for adhering to Tajweed rules, ensuring the correct pronunciation and rhythm of the verses. The elongation can vary in length, with most prolongations lasting for two counts, while certain cases may extend to four or even six counts, depending on the type of madd involved
وَلا آمِّينَ الْبَيْتَ الْحَرَامَ يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلاً مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرِضْوَاناً (المائدة 2)﴿
7. Fathah sign (بَ)
The Fathah sign ( َ ) is a diacritical mark in Arabic that denotes a short vowel sound, specifically representing the short “a” sound as in “cat.” When placed above a consonant, it indicates that the letter should be pronounced with this vowel sound. For example, in the word “كَتَبَ” (Kataba), the Fathah above the letter ك indicates that it should be pronounced as “ka.”
8. Dammah sign (بُ)
A small letter “Waw” (و) placed above Maddoum letters indicates that the reciter should round their mouth while pronouncing the letter. when reciting a word with a Maddoum letter followed by the Waw sign, the reciter should ensure that their lips are rounded to accurately articulate the sound.
9. Kasrah sign (بِ)
An inclined dash is written below Maksour letters, denoting that you should lower your jaw while pronouncing the letter. When placed below a consonant, it instructs the reader to pronounce the letter with this vowel sound. For example, in the word “كِتَاب” (Kitāb), the Kasrah under the letter ك indicates that it should be pronounced as “ki
10. Sukoon sign ( ۡ )
The Sukoon sign ( ْ ) is a diacritical mark in Arabic that indicates the absence of a vowel sound on a consonant. When placed above a letter, it signifies that the consonant should be pronounced without any accompanying vowel, effectively “stopping” the sound. For example, in the word “مَلْك” (Malk), the Sukoon above the letter ل shows that it should be pronounced without a vowel sound, making it a clear and distinct consonant. Understanding such diacritical marks is essential in mastering Quranic recitation, and a quranic Arabic course can help learners grasp these nuances and improve their pronunciation.
11. Tanween (Nunation) signs (ً- -ٌ -ـ )
Tanween (Nunation) signs are diacritical marks in Arabic that indicate the presence of an “n” sound at the end of a word, effectively marking it as indefinite. There are three types of Tanween, each represented by a different symbol:
Fathatan (ً): This sign indicates a double Fathah, representing an “an” sound. It is placed above the last letter of a word. For example, in the word “كِتَابً” (Kitāban), the Fathatan indicates that the word is indefinite and pronounced as “kitāb-an.”
Kasratan (ٍ): This sign indicates a double Kasrah, representing an “in” sound. It is placed below the last letter of a word. For instance, in the word “كِتَابٍ” (Kitābin), the Kasratan signifies that the word should be pronounced as “kitāb-in.”
Dammatan (ٌ): This sign indicates a double Dammah, representing an “un” sound. It is placed above the last letter of a word. For example, in the word “كِتَابٌ” (Kitābun), the Dammatan signifies that it should be pronounced as “kitāb-un.”
12. The Shaddah sign ( ّ )
The Shaddah sign ( ّ ) is a diacritical mark in Arabic that indicates the doubling or emphasis of a consonant sound. When placed above a letter, it instructs the reader to pronounce that consonant with an extended, strengthened sound, effectively doubling it.
For example, in the word “مَشَّى” (Mashā), the Shaddah above the letter م indicates that it should be pronounced as “mash-shā,” with a noticeable emphasis on the م sound.
Conclusion
Tajweed symbols are graphical signs introduced by Muslim scholars to safeguard the Quranic script from alterations. These symbols serve various purposes, including indicating rules for stopping and starting, marking the beginnings and endings of verses, characterizing certain Tajweed rules, and highlighting the locations for Sujud during recitation.
At Mishkah Academy, we emphasize the importance of understanding these Tajweed signs, especially for non-native speakers. They not only ensure the correct pronunciation and meaning of the verses but also prevent inappropriate pauses during recitation. Our Online Quran Recitation Course is designed to help learners master these symbols and enhance their recitation skills with precision and clarity.
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