altilawah

Altilawah, often rendered tilāwah, refers to the recitation of the Qur’an from its written text. The term comes from the Arabic tilāwah, meaning “recitation” or “reading aloud.” In Islamic usage, tilawah denotes reciting verses with proper pronunciation and melodic quality, following the rules of tajweed to preserve correct articulation and phonetics.

Practice and aim: Tilawah emphasizes accurate articulation (makhraj) and characteristics of individual letters, appropriate elongation (madd), pauses (waqf), and proper intonation. It may be performed individually or in groups and is a common element of devotional acts, study circles, and public gatherings. The practice is distinct from casual reading, as it seeks fidelity to the Qur’anic text and its meanings.

Pedagogy and training: In many Muslim communities, learners study tajweed alongside memorization of the Qur’an (hifz). Instruction often relies on traditional tajweed manuals and modern curricula. Recitations are sometimes assessed in local or national tilawah competitions, which showcase skill in pronunciation, rhythm, and expression.

Cultural and religious significance: Tilawah is central to Ramadan observances, mosque services, and Qur’anic education. Different communities may emphasize various styles or melodic traditions within the bounds of canonical recitation, while maintaining reverence for the sacred text.

See also: Tajweed, Qira’at, Hafiz, Qur’anic memorization. Altilawah as a term is a transliteration variant used in some languages and contexts to denote the act or art of Qur’anic recitation.