When I started memorizing the Holy Quran, my teacher advised me to listen to Shaykh Mahmoud Khalil al-Husary’s recitation of Al-Mushaf Al-Mujawwad. It was the first time I knew that recitations are not all the same; each one of them has a specific purpose. For now, it’s your turn to know the difference between tajweed and tarteel, underscoring their main purposes and how to distinguish and learn them.
What is Tajweed in the Quran?
Tajweed means doing something perfectly; it’s the science we can depend on to recite the Quran as well as it was revealed. It also means giving each letter of the Quran its rights and dues of characteristics, considering the rules that apply to those letters in different situations.
Therefore, we give the letters their rights by noticing the essential characteristics of each letter that never leave it, and give them their dues by noticing the characteristics that are temporary in certain cases and not present all the time.
The Importance of Tajweed in Quran Recitation
We must strive to recite the Holy Qur’an as perfectly as possible, for it is the very Word of Allah, and every syllable is from Him. Tajweed offers a structured set of rules that enable us to recite the Qur’an just as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The purpose of the Science of Tajweed is to make a reciter proficient in reciting the Quran. As each tashkeel and Harakah has certain clues to what Allah means, falling into trivial mistakes can lead to changing the whole meaning.
Arabic language is not easy, and its proper pronunciation requires knowledge of the makhārj (مَخَارِج) “the articulation points in the mouth and throat” and the ṣifāt (صِفَات) “the unique traits of each letter”. Knowing them is important to recite properly and avoid making mistakes that may change the message of the Qur’an.
Read More About: What Is Tajweed in Quran, Its Rules, Symbols & Importance

What Is Tarteel?
Tarteel is the art of melodious and slow recitation with precise focus on each letter, word, and verse to be recited with thoughtfulness and reflection. It concentrates on the rhythm, intonation, and melody of the recitation to make sure it resonates with the heart and allows the listener to go deep into the meanings of the verses. Coming to the difference between Tajweed and Tarteel, it aligns with Tajweed and adds soul to the recitation. Both are essential for a beautiful and authentic Quranic recitation.
The Role of Tarteel in Beautifying Recitation
Tarteel gives an opportunity to your brain to ponder and think about the verses you hear. When you grab a cup of coffee, sit in a quiet place, and listen to Alqari Mohammed Siddiq Al-Minshawi reciting the verse:
﴿رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَائِي…﴾
My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication
In the stunning voice and feeling of Al-Minshawi while he recites it in extended time, helping you get in the vibes of this verse and deeply feel it that helps you to nourish your soul and strengthen your spiritual connection with Allah.
Therefore, that’s the core difference between tajweed and tarteel; Tarteel ensures thoughtful recitation to ponder the meanings of the verses and emphasizes the clarity of words that are articulated distinctly for better comprehension.
The Main Difference Between Tajweed and Tarteel
| Points of Comparison | Tajweed | Tarteel |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Practical rules for correct and accurate recitation. | Slow and melodious recitation to ponder meanings. |
| Purpose | Phonetic precision and preservation of the Quran as it was revealed. | Empowering the spiritual connection with Allah and helping to get a deeper understanding. |
| Concerns | The rules of pronunciation, articulation, and recitation are necessary for proper recitation. | Focusing on clarity and natural rhythm. |
| Quranic Evidence | Indirect, applied through the need for right recitation. | Explicitly mentioned (Surah 73:4). |
Learn Also: Difference Between Tajweed and Tafseer
How Tajweed and Tarteel Work Together
Tajweed and Tarteel together are complementary aspects of Quranic recitation. As Tajweed ensures reliability and correct pronunciation, Tarteel adds depth and melody to it.
Understanding the difference between tajweed and tarteel and how they work together helps you make the recitation of the Quran a spiritually and effective experience.
If you aim to reach this level, you should start with the foundation, which is Tajweed. After tha,t you can taste the beauty of verses by listening to it and reciting it with Tarteel.
5 Simple Tips to Improve Your Tajweed and Tarteel
Any proficiency gained through continuous practice. After understanding the difference between Tajweed and Tarteel. Here are some tips to improve them:
- First and foremost, make sure your Tajweed is correct before jumping into the Tarteel stage to avoid any mistakes. Whether you take a course or self-study, the most important thing is to master the Tajweed rules for correct recitation.
- Regular practice is a key element to improve a natural rhythm in recitation. You can dedicate specific time each day for recitation, for instance 30 minutes after Al-Fajr.
- Listening to experienced reciters to inspire you.
- Try the experience of participating in groups to enhance your motivation. Once you get this fabulous experience, you won’t be able to give it up.
- Tracking your progress through recording your recitations and determining what exactly you need to work on.
Learn Tajweed and Tarteel Online with Mubarak Academy
To create the balance between technical mastery, “Tajweed”, and spiritual reflection, “Tarteel”, you need to follow a structured curriculum that puts you in the right way to be able to recite the Quran properly and get a deeper connection with the Divine Word. At Mubarak Academy, you can find comprehensive classes and guidance on both Tajweed and Tarteel with expert tutors to have a beautiful journey of connecting with the Quran. Our Online Quran Academy offers engaging lessons, a supportive community, and regular evaluation to guide you on your enriching journey towards flawless Quranic recitation.
Recommended Courses:
- Quran Memorization Course
- Tajweed Quran Online Course
- Islamic Studies Course
- Arabic Language Course
- Quran Ijazah Course
Conclusion
The difference between Tajweed and Tarteel can be summarized in being the two pillars of Quranic recitation. Tajweed is for technical accuracy, while Tarteel brings spiritual depth, to complete one another for a deeper connection with the divine words.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Murattal and Mujawwad?
Murattal is a slower recitation than Mujawwad, focusing on proper pronunciation and articulation rules.
2. What is Tajweed in Quran?
Tajweed is a set of rules that ensures your recitation is correct and preserves the meaning as it was revealed.
3. What is Tarteel?
Tarteel is a slow and melodious recitation that allows you to ponder each word deeply without rushing.


