Errors in Recitation

Definition of Lahn in Quranic Recitation:

Lahn is error and deviation from what is correct in recitation. It is divided into two types: Lahn Jali (clear/obvious error) and Lahn Khafi (hidden/subtle error).

Lahn Jali

This is an error that affects the wording in a way that clearly disrupts the meanings of the Quran. It is called "clear" because it is obvious to reciters and listeners alike. This type of error is religiously impermissible.

Lahn Jali may take the form of substituting one letter for another — such as substituting Ttaa for Daal, or pronouncing Dhaal as Zaa, or Thaa as Seen.

It may also occur by changing the vowels of letters — such as substituting a fatha for a kasra, or a sukoon for a vowel. This kind of substitution can sometimes change the meaning of a verse entirely, such as changing the vowel of the Taa in "lasta" in ﴾Lasta 'alayhim bimusaytir﴿ (Al-Ghashiyah: 22) — a serious error, since it completely changes the verse's meaning.

It occurs in letters, vowels, and words, as follows:

1. Lahn Jali in letters:

Substituting one letter for another, such as substituting Seen for Thaa in thayyibaatin (At-Tahrim: 5).

Dropping a letter, such as dropping the Yaa in wakhshawni (Al-Baqarah: 150).

Adding a letter, such as adding a Yaa in da'ani (Al-Baqarah: 186).

2. Lahn Jali in vowels:

Substituting one vowel for another, such as substituting a damma for a fatha in the word an'amta in ﴾An'amta 'alayhim﴿ (Al-Fatiha: 7).

Substituting a vowel for a sukoon, such as substituting a sukoon for a fatha in the word baytiya in ﴾An tahhira baytiya﴿ (Al-Baqarah: 125).

Substituting a sukoon for a vowel, such as substituting a fatha for a sukoon in the word 'ahdee in ﴾'Ahdee-zh-zhalimeen﴿ (Al-Baqarah: 124).

3. Lahn Jali in words:

Substituting one word for another, such as substituting "Al-'Azeem" for "Al-Kareem" in ﴾Rabbu-l-'arshi-l-kareem﴿ (Al-Mu'minun: 116).

Dropping a word, such as dropping "min" from ﴾Tajree min tahtiha-l-anhar﴿ (Al-Baqarah: 25).

Adding a word, such as adding "min" to ﴾Tajree tahtaha-l-anhar﴿ (At-Tawbah: 100).

Ruling: unanimously forbidden, except for someone in a learning session, or someone with a natural speech impediment or a foreign accent, or an elderly person whose tongue has become stiff.

Lahn Khafi

This is an error that affects the rules of Tajweed and the perfection of pronunciation, without disrupting the meaning or grammar. It is called "hidden" because it is hidden from the general public and only recognized by trained reciters.

Examples include omitting the ghunnah, neglecting the rules of Madd, applying Tafkheem where Tarqeeq is required or vice versa, and other errors that deviate from correct recitation practice.

It is divided into two types:

1. Minor hidden error:

A simple error recognized by reciters in general, such as shortening an obligatory Madd Lazim, omitting ghunnah in a doubled Meem or Noon, merging what should be clearly pronounced or clearly pronouncing what should be merged or hidden, or failing to produce Qalqalah in its letters.

2. Severe hidden error:

An error recognized only by specialist and expert reciters, involving imprecision in the finest details of recitation, such as extending or shortening a Madd or ghunnah beyond its required measure, or exaggerating Tafkheem or Tarqeeq.

Ruling on Lahn: forbidden if it removes the letter from its articulation point, or if committed during formal instruction and transmission; but if it occurs during ordinary recitation, it is a flaw for someone who has mastered the science, without sin upon the general Muslim public.

The Ruling on Commitment to Tajweed Regarding Articulation Points and Qualities:

Articulation points: adherence is obligatory, and neglecting them is forbidden.

Letter qualities: qualities whose alteration removes the letter from its articulation point — adherence is obligatory, and neglecting them is forbidden.

Decorative/enhancing qualities: in formal instruction and transmission, adherence is obligatory and neglect forbidden; in ordinary recitation, it is a flaw for the knowledgeable, but nothing is required of the general public.

Categories of People in Reciting the Quran:

The excellent, rewarded reciter: one who has learned the science of Tajweed, recites the Quran, and has mastered it.

The imperfect, [still] rewarded reciter: one who has a natural impediment preventing correct pronunciation — whether congenital or due to a foreign accent — and cannot find a teacher, or one who makes a subtle error while striving to correct it.

The imperfect, sinning reciter: one who commits clear errors in recitation while capable of correcting them, yet makes no effort to do so.