Learning the Quran with Tajweed offers significant rewards as pointed out in the hadith of the Prophet: “Those who recite the Qur’an accurately and precisely will attain the highest ranks in Heaven.” This is because the recitation of the Holy Quran is a form of worship with immense rewards also setting it apart from any other book or text. Every Muslim is expected to recite the Quran correctly by following the way it was revealed to our Holy Prophet. In this article, we will discuss the rules of Qalqalah Letters to the best of our ability.
Allah The Almighty said: “And recite the Quran with a chant do not rush to read the Quran but rather read it slowly and clearly while reflecting on the meanings.”
Before we start Qalqalah Rules it is advisable to explore the Great Benefits of Learning Tajweed Quran as these benefits are of supreme importance. Understanding the significance of these conditions and applying them when reciting the Holy Quran is necessary. Correctly reciting the Quran involves the rules of Tajweed and making it essential to learn the meaning and rules of Qalqalah.
Importance of Quran Exact Pronunciation
Explore this informative article on How to Learn Tajweed Quran and apply its rules when reciting the Holy Quran before we start the Rules of Qalqalah. Allah revealed the Noble Quran to our Prophet Muhammad in the form of Tajweed and instructed him to recite its verses, ponder their meanings, comprehend their message and recite them in a distinct and beautiful manner. Hence prioritizing the learning of Tajweed Rules also including Huroof Qalqalah and dedicating the necessary time and effort is of great importance. Understanding our responsibilities and striving to earn His mercy are among our greatest duties.
Join the community of thousands of Muslim families who are dedicated to learning Quran, Arabic and Islamic Studies from the comfort of their homes through our Best Online Tajweed Classes. The Quran revealed by God Almighty to Prophet Muhammad in the Arabic language was translated by the Companions and compiled into a book. Over time various improvements were made to the Quranic text including additions such as Fathah, Kasra, Dumah, Tanween and Shaddah which are terms in the science of Tajweed.
What Is Qalqalah In Tajweed?
Qalqalah basically linguistically means “shaking” or “disturbance” In Tajweed it refers to the echoing sound produced when certain letters have a Sukoon (a pause) on them or when one stops at these letters. These letters require a strong and echoing pronunciation.
Qalqalah Letters In Arabic
Qalqalah means “vibration” in Arabic. It involves disturbing the five Qalqalah letters when they have Sukoon and indicating a pause. These letters create a distinct echoing sound when pronounced correctly.
5 Qalqalah Letters:
The Qalqalah letters are grouped in the phrase “قُطب جَد” (Qutb Jad) which includes the following letters:
- ق (Qaaf)
- ط (Taa)
- ب (Baa)
- ج (Jeem)
- د (Dall)
These letters exhibit characteristics of “al-Jahr” (preventing the flow of air) and “ash-shid” (preventing the flow of sound) when pronounced with Sukoon. When these letters have vowels (Fatha, Kasra, Dummah or Tanween) they are pronounced normally without echoing or vibrating.
Rules of Qalqalah:
Two conditions must be matter to produce the Qalqalah sound:
- The letter must be one of the five Qalqalah letters: ق, ط, ب, ج, د.
- The Qalqalah letter must have a Sukoon (pause) on it whether at the end or in the middle of a word. If the Qalqalah letter has a Fatha, Kasra, Dummah or Tanween, it is pronounced normally without echoing.
Types of Qalqalah:
There are three levels of Qalqalah:
- Qalqalah Kubra (Strong Echoing): Occurs at the end of an Ayah.
- Qalqalah Wusta (Medium Echoing): Occurs at the end of a word in the middle of an Ayah.
- Qalqalah Sughra (Light Echoing): Occurs in the middle of a word whether at the beginning, middle or end of an Ayah.
Examples Of Qalqalah
Strong Qalqalah (Kubra)
This type is intense and occurs at the end of a verse. It is strong and pronounced with Qalqalah when the word ends with one of the Qalqalah letters.
- Strong Qalqalah is the most intense type and happens at the end of a verse in the Quran.
- It occurs when a word ends with specific letters that require Qalqalah and this adds intensity to the pronunciation.
- The last vowel in the word is dropped and you say the word with Qalqalah.
- It’s preferred to pause at the end of each verse and this is when you should do a strong Qalqalah.
Examples of Strong Qalqalah (Kubra)
- Words like “Kasab,” “Al-falaq” “Muheett” “Masad” and “Al-ma’aarij” exhibit strong Qalqalah at the end of verses.
- In words like “Wa Tabba” the last vowel is dropped and you pronounce it as “Wa Tabb.”
Medium Qalqalah (Wusta)
Medium Qalqalah happens when the letter at the end of a word does not have a Shadda (doubling). It is pronounced clearly with Qalqalah.
- Medium Qalqalah occurs when a word ends with a specific letter that doesn’t have a Shadda (a double consonant) and is not necessarily followed by an original Sukoon (a pause).
- These words are pronounced with a clear voice of Qalqalah.
Examples of Medium Qalqalah (Wusta)
- Words like “qad aflaha” and “najid lahu” demonstrate medium Qalqalah. The Sukoon is marked on the Qalqalah letters indicating how they should be pronounced.
Weak Qalqalah (Sughra):
Weak Qalqalah occurs in the middle of a word. It results in a weak Qalqalah when a reader decides to continue quickly.
- Weak Qalqalah happens in the middle of a recitation rather than at the end of a word or verse.
- Qalqalah letters often appear in the middle of a word or have Sukoon on top of them.
- When the reader continues reading without pausing a weak Qalqalah occurs as they quickly move on to the next letter.
Examples of Weak Qalqalah (Sughra):
- Words like “khalaqna” “tatt-heeran” and “abnaa’akum” contain weak Qalqalah letters in the middle of the word.
- Similar to medium Qalqalah Sukoon is marked on the Qalqalah letters to indicate the correct pronunciation.
Common Qalqalah Mistakes
Understanding Qalqalah can be made simpler by looking at a letter that is not a Qalqalah letter. Take the word ٱل, for example. When we say this word we will notice that towards the end the front of our tongue lightly touches the upper gums. If we move our tongue away from this point smoothly without breaking the sound we will create the Qalqalah effect.
It is important to remember that the letter Laam is not one of the Qalqalah letters. So, we should not produce a bouncing sound when pronouncing it. This is a fairly common mistake making the Qalqalah sound when it should not be applied to non-Qalqalah letters.
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Conclusion
Qalqalah refers to the echoing or vibrating sound produced when specific letters with Sukoon are pronounced. This post provides comprehensive information about Qalqalah Tajweed rules. If you wish to learn more about Qalqalah Rules in Arabic or Qalqalah letters meaning in Urdu then our qualified professionals Tutors can assist you. Join our Online Tajweed Course or Quran Recitation Course to start deeper into the intricacies of Qalqalah and Quranic recitation.