What does “Tartil” mean, and why should the Holy Qur’an be recited this way?

Tartil means reciting the Holy Qur’an without haste, in the proper order, pausing at the right places and with a beautiful voice. Above all, it means reflecting on the meaning while reciting.

The word Tartil has a wide range of meaning. It means without haste, in the proper order, and with pauses where one should stop and reflect. It also includes a good and beautiful delivery. It is usually understood as reading the Holy Qur’an calmly and unhurriedly, in the order that Allah has laid down.

This order has two aspects. The Holy Qur’an was revealed gradually, piece by piece. At that time the verses were repeated as they came down, attentively and in a good voice. Later the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was shown the arrangement in which the verses were to stand. The second verse above speaks of this arrangement, and it is in this order that we read the Holy Qur’an today.

For the reader, then, Tartil means more than beautiful pronunciation. Reciting slowly turns one’s attention to the meaning beneath the words. You read a verse, pause and think about what it says. You also notice the context in which it stands, because the arrangement itself is part of the message.

In this way recitation becomes a conversation with the text. Whoever recites with Tartil does not stay on the surface. Step by step, a wealth of meaning and wisdom opens up that has no end.