Tartil[1] 0f the Glorious Qur'an

Reading the Glorious Qur'an is different from reading other books for it is the Book of Allah, which is characterized by:

 

((This is) a book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail, from One who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things). At (Hud: 1)

 

Accordingly, the recitation of the Glorious Qur'an requires certain inward and outward morals and manners. Tartil, however, is one of the outward manners that one should abide by when reading the Glorious Qur'an.

 

As-Syuti said, "Tartil in reciting the Glorious Qur'an is Sunnah, for Allah, Most High, says, (and recite the Qur'an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.)   (Al-Muzzamrnil 4)."

 

Yet, I think it is more proper to regard Tartil of the Glorious Qur'an as Wajib (obligatory), for the above Qur'anic verse is in the imperative mode. In this connection, Az-Zarkashi said, "Tartil is a duty upon every Muslim when reading the Qur'an."[2]

 

Umm Salamah, Mother of the Believers, described the recitation of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as being clear, letter by letter[3]

 

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "How was the recitation (of the Qur'an) of the Prophet?" He replied, "It was characterized by the prolongation of certain sounds." He then Recited, (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) prolonging the pronunciation of 'Allah,' 'Most Gracious,' and 'Most Merciful'.

 

A man came to Ibn Mas`ud and said, "I recited the Mufassal (suras) at night in one rak`ah." Ibn Mas`ud said, "This recitation is (too quick) like the recitation of poetry. Verily, there are people who recite the Qur'an, but it does not go beyond their collarbones. It is (a fact with the Qur'an) that it is beneficial only when it settles in the heart and is rooted deeply in it."[4]

 

In Al-Muhadhdhab, it is said that an excessively quick recitation of the Qur'an is abhorred.

 

Moreover, it is said that reading a small part of the Glorious Qur'an with Tartil is better than reading double the amount without Tartil.

 

Tartil of the Glorious Qur'an is recommended for it leads to reflection upon the Glorious Words and has a great influence on the heart. Tartil signifies reading the Glorious Qur'an, uttering articulately its letters and pondering on its meanings.

 

Al-Ghazali pointed out the fact that Tartil of the Qur'an is not recommended only because it leads to reflection upon the Glorious verses, but for it shows reverence and respect for the Glorious Qur'an besides having great influence on the hearts. By the same token, non-Arab Muslims are recommended to read the Qur'an with Tartil although they do not understand the meaning of the Qur'an.

 

 

[1] Tartil, as an Arabic term, means to read the Qur'an slowly in order to pronounce each

    sound correctly. (Trans.)

[2] Al-Burhan, vol. l, p. 449.

[3] Reported by Abu Dawud.

[4] Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.