Tajweed is an art of sublimity. While it is not for everyone to become a master of tajweed, listening to those who are helps us become part of this elite assembly considering that Rasulullah (SAW) states:

من احب عمل قوم فهو منهم

(One who likes the actions of a group belongs to it)

The majālis of Ashara Mubaraka commence with tajweed in its purest, most advanced and utterly divine form. Pure, because the exponent of this art is Shahzada Husain Bhaisaheb Burhanuddin Saheb (DM) for whom al-Dai al-Ajal al-Hayy al-Muqaddas Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin (RA) once said that he was the “Husary” of “Hind”. Mahmoud Khalil al-Husary was a qārī (the ā is pronounced “aa” as in “Mary” and the ī is pronounced “ee” as in “tee”) known for his perfection in pronunciation, delivery, intonation and style. As a discerning reader, you must have already imagined the jewel of perfection fitting the crown of purity but you might ask, “If perfection comes from being the Husary of Hind, where does purity come from?” The answer is very obvious but let’s see what Syedna al-Qādi al-Nu’mān (RA) has to say about it:

وقد استعذب ماء من شرب من راس العين

(The water one drinks from the source of the spring cannot get any purer)

Since the above is bereft of the need for further explanation, let’s proceed to the next question that you, the reader, would have: Why would this tajweed be of the most advanced level? Well, in its simplest form, tajweed is when a person – and it can be any person – successfully or unsuccessfully attempts to recite the Qur’an in a melodious way. However, it is not just melody which embellishes a recitation. Tajweed runs deeper than that. Incorporating the entire corpus of Qur’anic sciences that includes subjects such as melody, interpretation, Qur’anic readings as well as oratory would perhaps fulfill the criteria for an advanced level of tajweed. During Ashara Mubaraka, this happens beautifully and in unparalleled style.

Finally, let’s talk about the utter divinity that tajweed during Ashara radiates to the audience. Whereas the recitation of the Qur’an is the most exalted of deeds, and whereas the auspicious days of Ashara Mubaraka are meant to mourn the calamities that befell Imam Husain (AS) and his Ahl-e-Bait (AS) in Karbala, and whereas the Qur’an has itself mourned Imam Husain (AS) time and again – either implicitly or explicitly – throughout its verses, and whereas the remembrance of Imam Husain (AS) purifies us from our sins, and whereas lamenting before Allah and seeking His forgiveness is the essence of istighfār which our Mawla (TUS) helps us achieve through the zikr of Imam Husain (AS) – therefore: Tajweed during Ashara Mubaraka, and especially its soulful presentations in maqāmāt such as bayātī, nahāwand, ṣabā and ḥijāz prepare the hearts of the audience for mourning Imam Husain (AS) and establishes a connection of divinity between Allah, His Walī, His Dāʿī and us mumineen – thereby setting the tune for the most afḍal of ʿibādāt, the zikr of Imam Husain (AS).

Do you recall tajweed from last year’s Ashara Mubaraka in Indore (1440)?

Do you wish to join this elite assembly which is open for all who wish to relish the taste of tajweed during Ashara Mubaraka 1441?

Do you pledge to appreciate this art with the ears of your heart while setting aside the world to enjoy these moments of sublimity?

And, do you wish to know the intricacies and explanations accompanying the delivery of tajweed in a succinct and reader-friendly manner?

Then follow www.TajweedExplained.com during Ashara Mubaraka and share its articles with like minded friends to spread goodness and blessings among all.

May Allah Ta’ala prolong the presence of our mawla, al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) in health and vigor till the day of judgement. Aameen.

Notes: Refer to the “Glossary” for a brief understanding of frequently used terms. Use the comments section below to ask questions, post requests or provide feedback. Alternately, you can also email at tajweedexplained@gmail.com for feedback and comments.