The Origin and Development of Ilm al-Tajwid in Hausaland: A Critical Analysis

Many Islamic Scholars have highlighted the meaning of Al Tajwid literally and technically. The word Tajwid is
derived from the Arabic root Jawwada, which means to make well, to improve or to make good." it also means to
enable, to make possible or to bring forth what is better. As a technical term Tajwid means to make good or to
better the recitation of the Glorious Qur"an by giving each letter it"s right with regards to the correct way of
pronunciation. This would only be possible by taking into consideration the origins of pronunciation of Arabic
letters and safeguarding the rules of recitation on combination of letters such as clear pronunciation (Izhr),
assimilation (Idgham and substitution (lqlab). Tajwid also means a mode of recitation of medium speed. This
definition could serve as an explanation to a verse in the Qur’an where Allah (S.W.T.) commands Muslims to recite
the Qur"an in a slow measured and rhythmic tone. Scholars of Tajwid categorized the discipline into two parts,
namely theoretical and practical. Therefore, the paper intends to explore the origin and development of Ilm AlAtTajwid in Hausaland, in this juncture the paper discusses many things such as definition of Tajwid, position of
Tajwid in Shari’ah, Importance of Tajwid, origin and development of Ilm al-Tajwid in Hausaland and origin and its
development from the Glorious Qur"an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The analytical method is
employed in conducting the research.