The Qur’an is the word of Allah ﷻ, revealed in the most beautiful form of speech. Reciting it correctly is not just about melody — it’s about preserving the way it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This is where Tajweed (the rules of Qur’an recitation) becomes essential.
Yet, many beginners make common mistakes that affect the meaning and beauty of recitation. The good news? These mistakes are easy to identify and correct with the right guidance.
Let’s explore 10 common Tajweed mistakes beginners make and how you can fix them.
1️⃣ Mispronouncing Letters (Makharij al-Huroof)
One of the most frequent errors is mixing up letters that sound similar, such as:
- س (Seen) and ص (Saad)
- ذ (Dhal) and ز (Zay)
- ح (Haa) and هـ (Ha)
How to Fix It:
Study the articulation points with a teacher. Practice slowly and exaggerate the sound until you master the distinction.
2️⃣ Ignoring the Rules of Noon Sakinah and Tanween
Many beginners fail to apply idghaam, ikhfa, iqlab, and ith-haar properly. For example, reciting “من يعمل” without merging the letters.
How to Fix It:
Memorize the rules step by step, and practice them with short surahs before moving to longer recitations.
3️⃣ Not Giving Letters Their Due Length (Madd)
Beginners often shorten or elongate vowels incorrectly. For example, reading “قَالَ” (He said) too short or “قَالَا” (They both said) too long.
How to Fix It:
Learn the categories of madd (2, 4, or 6 counts). Use a metronome-like hand movement to measure your elongation.
4️⃣ Stopping at the Wrong Place (Waqf)
Stopping incorrectly can completely change the meaning. For example:
- “لَا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلَاةَ” (Do not go near prayer) — stopping here is wrong, because the full verse clarifies “while intoxicated.”
How to Fix It:
Understand the symbols for pauses in the Qur’an and ask your teacher about common places of waqf.
5️⃣ Reading Too Fast
Out of eagerness, some beginners rush through recitation, skipping rules and clarity.
How to Fix It:
Recite slowly. Remember, quality matters more than quantity.
6️⃣ Neglecting Ghunna (Nasal Sound)
Letters like ن and م require a nasal sound in certain rules. Beginners often miss this subtle sound.
How to Fix It:
Hold the ghunna for 2 counts. Record your recitation to check if the nasal sound is present.
7️⃣ Mixing Heavy and Light Letters
Saying “Allah” with a thin sound when it should be heavy, or pronouncing ر (Ra) as light when it should be heavy.
How to Fix It:
Learn the rules of tafkhim (heaviness) and tarqiq (lightness) with examples.
8️⃣ Ignoring Qalqalah
Beginners sometimes fail to “bounce” letters like ق، ط، ب، ج، د when they have sukoon.
How to Fix It:
Practice words like “أَحَدْ” or “يَقْطَعْ” slowly, focusing on the bouncing effect.
9️⃣ Not Practicing with a Teacher
Self-study alone often leads to mistakes that go unnoticed.
How to Fix It:
Join an online Tajweed class with a certified teacher who can correct your recitation live.
👉 Check our Best Online Qur’an Classes to get professional support.
🔟 Lack of Consistency
Even when rules are learned, inconsistent practice causes mistakes to return.
How to Fix It:
Set a daily practice routine, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Read our guide: How to Build a Daily Qur’an Routine in a Busy Lifestyle.
🌟 Conclusion
Tajweed is not about perfection — it’s about striving to recite the Qur’an as it was revealed. Every step you take toward improving your recitation brings reward and closeness to Allah ﷻ.
💡 Don’t let these mistakes hold you back. With guidance, patience, and practice, you can recite the Qur’an beautifully and correctly.
👉 Ready to master Tajweed with expert teachers?
📌 Register today at Ahsan ul Quran Academy and begin your journey toward perfecting the recitation of Allah’s Book.