Page 142 - Tafsir of surat at tawba repentance

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authentic recitations which they had learned. These rules, in fact, formed the basic
science of Arabic phonetics, outlining the correct method of pronunciation for the
letters of the Arabic alphabet, individual words, and sentences. The science which
evolved out of this concern over the correct recitation of the Qur’aan came to be
known as the science of tajweed. Tajweed was defined as the articulation of each
Arabic sound correctly and distinctly and the pronunciation of each consonant,
vowel, word, and sentence according to the standard of Arabic spoken by the
Prophet’s generation. The scholars also insisted that this should take place without
excessive embellishment and unnatural mannerisms. However, one should recite
the Qur’aan in the best natural voice possible, based upon the Prophet’s
recommendation,

(.  ﻡﹸﻜِﺘﺍﻭﺼَﺄِﺒ ﻥﺁﺭﹸﻘﹾﻟﺍ ﺍﻭﹸﻨﻴﺯ )

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“Beautify the Qur’aan with your voices.”
It should be noted, however, that in spite of the great emphasis laid on the art
of recitation, it is not a goal to be sought in itself. Recitation is only a means, a
vehicle by which one may absorb the message so as to implement whatever the
message entails. Recitation is, generally speaking, superior to mere reading with
the eyes because it also involves the organ of speech and sense of hearing, all of
which serve to reinforce the message when recitation is done consciously and not
ritual-istically.

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Collected by Aboo Daawood (Sunan Abu Dawud, vol. 1, p. 384, no. 1463), Ibn Maajah, Ahmad,
ad-Daarimee and Ibn Hibbaan, and authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood,
vol. 1, p. 275, no. 1303.

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