Fatwa ID: 07367

 

Answered by: Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat

 

Question:

 

Is it compulsory to remain consistent with tajweed in salah. For example, I make sure to do qalqala through majority of the salah but in some areas I did not do it deliberately. Is this sinful and is salah accepted if i do this? I’m asking this because sometimes the imam reads a little bit quick while we are sitting in the last rakaat not allowing me to complete my tashahhud. I also suffer from ocd so in order for me to finish the salah I have to let go of the qalqala near the end of the salah because if I try to do it, it will take a while and the imam will finish so that’s why I’m asking whether I can intentionally ignore the tajweed in these cases?

 

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer

 

In Hanafi fiqh, the importance of reciting the Qur’an correctly during Salah is emphasised. Tajweed, which involves the proper pronunciation and articulation of the letters, is considered essential for the validity of the recitation. However, the strictness of this requirement varies depending on the nature of the mistakes and the circumstances surrounding them.

 

The recitation of the Qur’an with proper tajweed is highly recommended and considered important because it ensures that the words of Allah are pronounced correctly, preserving their meaning and enhancing the spiritual experience of Salah. Deliberate neglect of tajweed can be problematic, especially if it leads to mispronunciation that alters the meaning of the words.¹

 

Islam being an easy religion, has laid out some conditions where considerations are made:

 

1. Unintentional Mistakes: If mistakes in tajweed occur unintentionally or due to circumstances such as the pace of the imam or personal conditions like OCD, these are generally excused. The primary concern is that the mistakes should not alter the meanings of the verses.
2. Intentional Adjustments for Practicality: In cases where adhering strictly to tajweed might cause practical issues, such as not being able to complete the tashahhud due to the imam’s pace, scholars provide leniency. The aim is to maintain the balance between proper recitation and the practical completion of Salah.

 

For individuals suffering from OCD or similar conditions, the Shariah provides ease and flexibility. In such cases, the primary goal is to complete the Salah without causing undue hardship or stress, Allah says in the Quran “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:286)

 

While maintaining tajweed is important, if you find it difficult due to OCD or the pace of the imam, you are not sinful for making necessary adjustments. Your Salah remains valid as long as the recitation does not significantly alter the meanings of the words. The intention behind maintaining proper recitation is to enhance the spiritual quality of Salah, not to create undue hardship.

 

Therefore, you can intentionally ease up on tajweed in cases where it is impractical to maintain it strictly, especially considering your condition. The overarching principle is to ensure that Salah is performed with sincerity and within one’s capacity whilst focusing on maintaining the integrity of the recitation without causing stress and Working on tajweed progressively, allowing for improvement over time without overwhelming yourself.

 

 

 

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“وتجب قراءة الفاتحة وترتيلها واجب” (الهداية في شرح بداية المبتدي، 1/100)