Tajwid: the 24 rules of Quran recitation explained

When the Noon sakin (نْ) or the Tanwin is followed by one of the 6 halqiya letters (ء ه ع ح غ خ), the Noon is pronounced clearly, with no nasalisation and no merging.

When the Noon sakin or the Tanwin is followed by the letters (ي ر م ل و ن), the Noon merges into the following letter. With (ي ن م و) there is nasalisation (ghunna). With (ل ر) there is no ghunna.

When the Noon sakin or the Tanwin is followed by the letter Baa (ب), the Noon is turned into a Mim (م) with nasalisation. It is the only letter that triggers Iqlab.

When the Noon sakin or the Tanwin is followed by 15 letters (ت ث ج د ذ ز س ش ص ض ط ظ ف ق ك), the Noon is concealed between izhar and idgham, with a nasalisation of 2 counts.

When the Mim sakin (مْ) is followed by the letter Baa (ب), the Mim is concealed with nasalisation. The two lips come close without fully touching.

When the Mim sakin (مْ) is followed by another Mim (م), the two Mims merge into a single strengthened Mim with an obligatory nasalisation of 2 counts.

When the Mim sakin (مْ) is followed by any letter other than Baa and Mim, the Mim is pronounced clearly. Particular care is needed with the letters Waw (و) and Fa (ف).

The basic lengthening of 2 counts (harakat). It occurs when a madd letter (ا و ي) is not followed by a hamza or a sukun. It is the minimum lengthening.

When a madd letter is followed by a hamza (ء) within the same word, it is lengthened 4 to 5 counts. This rule is obligatory (wajib) — it cannot be shortened below 4 counts.

When a madd letter at the end of a word is followed by a hamza at the start of the next word. It is lengthened 4 to 5 counts. This rule is permitted (ja'iz) — one may choose 2 or 4-5 counts.

When a madd letter is followed by a fixed sukun (not a pause), it must be lengthened 6 counts. It is found in the opening letters of the surahs (حروف المقطعة).

When one stops (waqf) on a word whose last letter is preceded by a madd letter. It may be lengthened 2, 4 or 6 counts. If the reading continues, it is the madd tabi'i.

The 5 qalqala letters (ق ط ب ج د), when they are sakin (without a vowel), produce a slight echoing bounce. A distinction is made between the small qalqala (middle of a word) and the great qalqala (end of a word / pause).

A nasal sound produced through the nose when pronouncing the Noon (ن) and the Mim (م). The ghunna lasts 2 counts. It is obligatory for every Noon or Mim carrying a shaddah (نّ مّ).

A heavy, deep pronunciation of certain letters. The always emphatic letters are: خ ص ض غ ط ق ظ. The Ra (ر) and the Lam of Allah (الله) may be emphatic depending on the context.

A thin, light pronunciation. Every letter other than the 7 emphatic letters is tarqiq. The Ra (ر) is tarqiq when it carries a kasra or is followed by a ya sakin, and when pausing on a ra with kasra.

An obligatory pause marked by the sign (مـ) in the Quran. Reading on without stopping would distort the meaning of the verse. It is forbidden to continue without making a pause.

A permitted pause marked by (ج). Stopping or continuing are both acceptable without changing the meaning. It is for the reciter to choose according to his breath and his understanding.

A forbidden pause marked by (لا). Stopping here would distort the meaning of the Quranic text. If one stops for lack of breath, one must start again from the previous sentence.

Marked by (∴ ∴). There are two places where one may stop, but one cannot stop at both. One chooses the one and continues from the other.

Isolated letters at the beginning of 29 surahs (الم, يس, طه...). Each letter is pronounced separately by its name. Most contain a madd lazim of 6 counts. Their exact meaning is known to Allah alone.

The shaddah indicates that the letter is doubled: a sakin letter followed by the same letter with a vowel. The letter is pronounced twice: the first without a vowel (quickly) and then the second with its vowel.

The merging of two letters sharing the same point of articulation but with different attributes. Examples: ت with ط or د — ذ with ظ — ب with م. The first letter merges into the second.

The merging of two letters close in their point of articulation. Example: ل with ر — ق with ك. The sakin letter merges into the next one, partly or completely.