Noorani Qaida is the foundation for learning how to read the Quran with proper pronunciation (Tajweed). It is designed for beginners, including children and non-Arabic speakers, to gradually build reading skills. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide with examples to help you learn Noorani Qaida effectively.
Step 1: Recognizing Arabic Letters (Huruf e Mufradat)
The first lesson in Noorani Qaida introduces single Arabic letters (حروف مفردات).
Example of Arabic Letters:
- ا (Alif), ب (Ba), ت (Ta), ث (Tha)
- ج (Jeem), ح (Haa), خ (Khaa)
Practice Tip:
- Say each letter slowly and clearly while looking at its shape.
- Listen to audio recitations and repeat the pronunciation.
- Use a whiteboard or notebook to write each letter multiple times.
Step 2: Learning the Different Shapes of Letters
Arabic letters change their shape depending on their position in a word:
- Beginning: Connected to the next letter.
- Middle: Connected to letters before and after.
- End: Connected to the previous letter but stands alone.
- Isolated: Appears alone.
Example:
- ب (Ba) changes into بـ (beginning), ـبـ (middle), ـب (end), and ب (isolated).
- ح (Haa) → حـ, ـحـ, ـح
- م (Meem) → مـ, ـمـ, ـم
Practice Tip:
- Use flashcards to memorize different letter forms.
- Read and underline letters in different words from your Qaida.
Step 3: Understanding Harakat (Short Vowel Sounds)
Harakat are small symbols placed above or below a letter to indicate pronunciation.
Example Words:
- رَبَّ (Rabba) – “Lord”
- مِنْ (Min) – “From”
- لَهُ (Lahu) – “For him”
Practice Tip:
- Read words slowly, emphasizing vowel sounds.
- Record yourself reading and compare with a teacher’s recitation.
Step 4: Learning Sukoon, Madd, and Tanween
1. Sukoon (Silent Letter – Stops Sound)
- Symbol: ـْ
- Example: بْ (b – silent sound)
Words with Sukoon:
- أَكْبَرْ (Akbar) – “Greatest”
- يَذْهَبْ (Yadhhab) – “He goes”
2. Madd (Long Vowel Sounds – Stretching Letters)
Madd letters make a letter’s sound longer than normal:
- ا (Alif) → Stretches “A” sound (e.g., قال Qaal – “He said”)
- و (Waw) → Stretches “U” sound (e.g., نُور Noor – “Light”)
- ي (Ya) → Stretches “E” sound (e.g., سَمِيع Samee’ – “Hearing”)
Example Words with Madd:
- كِتَابٌ (Kitaab) – “Book”
- قُرْآنٌ (Qur’aan) – “Quran”
3. Tanween (Double Vowels – End of Words)
- ً (Fathatain) → أحسنًا (Ahsanan)
- ٍ (Kasratain) → بيتٍ (Baytin)
- ٌ (Dammatain) → رسولٌ (Rasoolun)
Practice Tip:
- Use rhythm to differentiate between short and long vowels.
- Read slowly, ensuring proper elongation where required.
Step 5: Joining Letters to Form Words
Now, practice combining letters to form complete words.
Example Words:
- ب + ا = با (Ba + Alif = Baa)
- م + د + س = مدرس (Madrasa) – “School”
- ق + ر + آن = قرآن (Quran)
Practice Tip:
- Read each word slowly, ensuring letter connections are correct.
- Repeat words multiple times to improve fluency.
Step 6: Learning Tajweed Rules (Basic Recitation Rules)
1. Ghunnah (Nasal Sound – ن and م)
- Example: إِنَّ (Inna) – Prolonged “n” sound.
2. Ikhfa (Hiding the “N” Sound)
- Example: مِنْ شَرِّ (Min Sharri) – Light nasal sound before “Sh” sound.
3. Qalqalah (Bouncing Sound – ق, ط, ب, ج, د)
- Example: أَحَدٌ (Ahadun) – Light bounce on “D”.
Practice Tip:
- Listen to Qari recitations and repeat aloud.
- Mark Tajweed rules in your Qaida with different colors.
Step 7: Reading Small Quranic Words and Phrases
Once you complete Noorani Qaida, begin reading short Quranic verses.
Examples:
- الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ (Alhamdu Lillah) – “All praise is for Allah.”
- اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allahu Akbar) – “Allah is the Greatest.”
- إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ (Inna Anzalnahu) – “Indeed, We revealed it.”
Practice Tip:
- Read slowly, ensuring you apply Tajweed rules.
- Use a Quran with color-coded Tajweed to identify rules easily.
Step 8: Daily Practice and Consistency
To improve, read Noorani Qaida daily for 15-30 minutes.
Daily Practice Routine:
Day 1-5: Learn and revise 5 letters daily.
Day 6-10: Read 2-letter and 3-letter words.
Day 11-15: Focus on Harakat, Madd, and Sukoon rules.
Day 16-20: Start reading small Arabic words from the Quran.
Day 21+: Continue practicing, revising, and improving Tajweed.