Levels of Recitation

1. At-Tahqeeq

This is reciting the Quran calmly and with composure, reflecting on its meanings, observing the various rules of Tajweed, and giving each letter its full due of articulation point and quality.

2. Al-Hadr

This is reciting at a fast pace while still observing the rules of Tajweed.

3. At-Tadweer

This is reciting at a moderate speed, between At-Tahqeeq and Al-Hadr.

All three of these styles are permissible, and each falls within the meaning of Tarteel mentioned in Allah's words: ﴾Warattili-l-Qur'ana tarteela﴿ ("and recite the Quran with measured recitation") (Al-Muzzammil: 4).

4. At-Tarteel (a note): some scholars treat Tarteel as its own independent level, coming after At-Tahqeeq. In both, recitation is calm and composed, reflecting on the Quran and its meanings while observing the rules of Tajweed. The distinction some scholars draw is that At-Tahqeeq applies during learning, when the student is more deliberate and careful to perfect the articulation points and apply the various rules of Tajweed, while Tarteel is the manner of recitation the reciter continues with after having mastered this science.