(45) Tajweed III, 9/24/24, Class #1

Welcome to a special academic course on Tajweed.
The course leverages traditional means of studying, using poetry to aid memorization and understanding.
Knowledge is acquired through understanding the rules codified in poems and explanations.

This course focuses on Tajweed through the famous poem Al-Jazaria.
Tajweed: The rules governing the recitation of the Quran, originally taught without the technical terms we use today.

Quran's Revelation: Revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (saw) who conveyed it to his companions without formal Tajweed terminology.
First Transmission of Quran: Done via oral tradition, generation after generation.
Origin of Tajweed Books: Began in the fourth century (approximately 300 years after the Prophet) where scholars began to write structured books.
- Example: Abdullah (a companion) corrected recitations but did not use technical Tajweed terms.

Transition from oral transmission to written texts occurred over centuries.
The emergence of Tajweed as an organized science occurred around the 4th century AH (around 900 AD).
The first poem relating to Tajweed was written by an unnamed scholar around 325 AH, using the term "Adab" instead of Tajweed.

Tajweed encompasses the correct manner of Quranic recitation, including all aspects like starting/stopping.
Knowing Tajweed without practice (or vice versa) is insufficient for correct recitation.
Adhering to Tajweed rules is crucial for correct understanding and interpretation of the Quran.

Major scholars emerged over centuries, with Abu Amr being a significant figure from Spain who passed away in 444 AH, influencing many subsequent scholars.
Over 100 books on Tajweed have been written, showing its importance as a science directly linked to Quranic recitation.

Biography:
- Born 751 AH, died 833 AH; from Damascus, Syria.
- Memorized the Quran by age 13, travelled extensively to seek knowledge and gain formal education.
Career:
- Established an institution called Dar Al-Quran; served as a Mufti and faced political challenges leading to his move to Bursa.
- Later captured during conflicts, yet respected and honored by leaders afterward.
- Founded another Dar Al-Quran in Shiraz where he spent much of his later life.

Jazaria authored over 70 books, the most notable being the poem "Al-Jazaria" which serves as a reference guide.
Recognized for expanding the known recitations from 7 to 10 in his works, detailing numerous ways to recite the Quran.
Emphasized that Tajweed includes more than mere pronouncing rules; it involves the artistry of Quranic recitation.

Breakdown of the Poem: Divided into seven main parts:
1. General introduction (Verses 1-8): Purpose and importance of Tajweed.
2. Articulation points (Verses 9-26): Characteristics of letters.
3. Tajweed rules (Verses 27-51): Mistakes to avoid.
4. Differences between letters (Verses 52-61).
5. More Tajweed rules (Verses 62-72).
6. Writing rules in the Quran (Verses 73-99).
7. Guidelines on starting and stopping (Verses 100-107), with an additional conclusion added later.

The focus will be on the main Tajweed rules, how to start, and stop appropriately in recitation.
Emphasis on the correct conduct while reciting the Quran, aligning recitation practices with ethical behavior in Islam.

This course is an opportunity to deepen understanding of Tajweed alongside memorizing Al-Jazaria.
Recommended to memorize about 8-10 verses weekly to complete by semester end.
Additional requirements may include knowledge of Tajweed theories, performance in pronunciation, and ethical conduct.