Have you heard about Lahn (لحن) in Tajweed before? You may have heard that you should avoid mistakes (lahn) while reciting the Quran, especially in the five prayers, but do you know that they may alter the meaning of the Quranic verses?

That’s why you should learn how to act if you make such mistakes in the prayer. Understanding what Lahn means and the types of Lahn is the first step to avoiding it, and the right action in this case. This is a concise yet comprehensive guide that gives you everything you need to know about Lahn and its types—no other source required.

What is lahn in tajweed?

Lahn, meaning in Arabic, has several nuances. It can mean a language or dialect.
It may signify a hidden meaning or what is indirectly understood from speech. It is also used to describe musical intonation or melodic recitation.

It can also refer to an error or deviation from correctness in speech or recitation. From this meaning, the term Lahn is also used in Tajweed.

The Lahn in Tajweed can be defined as the incorrect pronunciation of Quranic words due to making any type of mistakes in articulation, rules, or intonation.

What are the types of lahn in tajweed?

We have two types of Lahn in Tajweed: Lahn Jali and Lahn Khafi. Both are mistakes in recitation, but they differ in their nature, effect on meaning, and the result of making them.

In Tajweed, mistakes in recitation are classified into two types: Lahn Jali (apparent errors) and Lahn Khafi (hidden errors). Lahn Jali is clear and noticeable, often changing letters, vowel markings, or words in a way that alters the meaning of the Quran, such as mispronouncing articulation points, changing case endings, or replacing words. 

On the other hand, Lahn Khafi does not affect the meaning but impacts the beauty and precision of recitation, like shortening or lengthening madd, missing ghunnah, or exaggerating tafkhīm and tarqīq. 

While both should be avoided, Lahn Jali is more serious since it can distort meanings, whereas Lahn Khafi reduces the quality of recitation.

Here is a breakdown of both types with examples:

1. Lahn Jali (apparent mistake):

This type of Lahn is very obvious since it affects the meaning or the grammatical role of Quranic words (i‘rab).  For this reason, this error in pronunciation is clear to listeners. It can have 3 general types, including:

A. Lahn Jali in Letters:

This type occurs when the reciter makes a mistake affecting letters. Changing letters can occur in several ways:

Replacement:

 When you replace a letter with another, this may occur when someone pronounces the letter from a wrong articulation point (Makharij)  or wrong sifat (letter’s characteristics). 

Since some letters are only differentiated from each other by sifat, such as letter ط and ت. They are both articulated from the tongue, but ط is a strong, heavy letter, unlike ت.

You should immerse yourself in the Tajweed rules. With our  Basic Tajweed Course for Beginners, you can learn all the articulation points (Makharij) and avoid mistakes like this.

Removing a letter:

Letter omission usually occurs by dropping the final letter, since the breath may be weak. It may also be a partial omission of some letters in the middle of a word, especially when the vowels (Harakāt) are different.

Adds on letters:

Some non-professional readers tend to add an extra letter to the word; a common example is generating an additional yāʼ sound at the end of a word that ends with a kasrah.

B. Lahn Jali In Tashkeel (Harakat Al Horouf in Tajweed):

This is a common type of Lahn Jali, especially in this era. Because of the differences in dialects, which usually do not use I‘rāb (case endings), while the ancient Arabs used to speak with proper I‘rāb naturally, as a matter of instinct.

Replacing a Fatha with a Damma in( أنعمتَ) changes its meaning and to whom the action is attributed. See the following table:

You can master grammar from scratch to avoid such mistakes with studying (Arabic lessons for Beginners course) on the Quranica website.

 (Harakat Al Horouf in Tajweed):

C. Lahn Jali In Words:

This type includes replacing a word with another, omitting or adding a word that occurs for even beginner Hifz students. 

For example, replacing Ghafūr Raḥīm (غفور رحيم) with Ghafūr Ḥalīm (غفور حليم) in a verse. You can avoid this through learning the science of similar words (‘Ilm al-Mutashabihat). 

We help you master all verses in our Hifz classes for adults through regular revision and focusing on similar words. 

2. Lahn Khafi(hidden mistakes)

Lahn Khafi includes these types of errors that affect the perfection of the letter’s characteristics without taking it out of its proper articulation to a new letter or a new word.

It does not affect the meaning, but only the beauty of the recitation, so it is not noticeable to the general audience.

Lahn Khafi Examples are divided into two main categories:

A. Mild Hidden Lahn:

This is a minor hidden mistake that can be noticed by the general readers, such as 

• shortening a mandatory madd word.
• Omitting the ghunnah in the stressed mīm and nūn, apparent or hidden idgham.
• Failing to perform qalqalah in its letters, among others.

B. Severe Hidden Lahn:

When the hidden mistake is recognized only by expert reciters. It occurs when the recitation is not performed with full precision

For example:

•  extending the madd or ghunnah beyond the required limit or reducing them
•  exaggerating tafkhīm (heavy pronunciation) or tarqīq (light pronunciation).

Read Also: Shaddah In Tajweed

Examples of Lahn in Tajweed 

Now, it is your turn to recognize the lahn and tell if this is a lahn Khafi example or a lahn Jali example.

Comparison between Lahn Khafi and Lahn Jali:

Now, to make it easier to understand, let’s summarize all the information discussed above in the following table for a clear and organized overview:

How to get rid of lahn in tajweed?

You can recite the Quran properly; it is not impossible. Many muslims do this before. Even though your recitation is full of Lahn, you can work on yourself through the following steps:

1. Listen and repeat after Sheikh:

Listening is the first step in learning to speak. By listening attentively, you can acquire what mere hearing of lessons cannot provide. You can also learn from the examples of expert sheikhs, such as Sheikh Al-Husary and the soulful reciter Sadiq Al-Munshawi, whose recitations serve as models of mastery and devotion.

2. Learn Tajweed rules:

Learning Tajweed rules helps you master the articulation points of Arabic letters and their characteristics, which are responsible for most Lahn. Practicing Tajweed regularly with professional Tajweed tutors helps you and facilitates Tajweed. 

You can find this through the Amli Tajweed Course we provide in Quranica

3. Learn Arabic Language:

There is no doubt that Learning Arabic is essential for all islamic sciences, with the Quran being foremost among them. Learning Grammar means you can avoid simply all Lahn due to Tashkeel. 

That’s why many learners today are turning to structured guidance instead of trying to figure Tashkeel out alone. With the right mentor in the Quranica Arabic course, Arabic becomes clear, engaging, and even enjoyable.

4. Study the Tafseer to understand the meaning:

Understanding the meaning helps you remember the correct word used at the end of the Ayah and thus avoid Lahn Jali in words. You will realize the beauty of the Quran that can not be forgotten.

You can find Tafseer in many sources, such as online Quran Tafseer, a simple Tafseer book, or a translated Tafseer website.

5. Seek a journey partner:

Learning with a partner will encourage you and help you recognize your mistakes. You can also learn from your friend’s mistakes, which will shorten and speed up your learning journey.

Read Also: Al Jawf In Tajweed – Full Guide With Examples

Does Lahn in Tajweed break the prayer?

No, as we used to Allah`s compassion. For a Lahn to invalidate the prayer, all the following conditions must be met:

1. The Lahn must be Jali (apparent).
2. The Lahn must change the meaning of the verse.
3. The Lahn must occur in Surah Al-Fatiha.

Is Lahn a sin?

It depends on the intention and the ability. We have 2 conditions if you commit Lahn: If you can recite correctly and still make the mistake intentionally, this is considered haram.
If you cannot recite correctly (due to being a beginner or weak in recitation) and make the mistake unintentionally, in this case, it will not be haram, but it is recommended to learn and correct it.

What is the meaning of Lahn Khafi?

Lahn Khafi involves making subtle mistakes, mostly in Tajweed rules, and does not cause any change in meaning.

Avoid Lahn in Tajweed with Quranica:

Enroll in our Tajweed tests and practice course, and start reciting the Quran without any Lahn. This course is designed to help you assess your current level and identify any mistakes, including Lahn Khafi, through structured Tajweed practice. Our teacher will correct your pronunciation, rhythm, and fluency, ensuring your recitation follows the proper rules.

You will be able to pray with confidence. It also enhances your concentration and devotion, as you will be able to focus on the meaning after mastering correct pronunciation.

 Our courses include:

• Arabic-related courses: whether you are a beginner or mid-level. You can choose your level and start from it. 
• Memorization (Hifz) Programs: Structured memorization plans that guide students through the Quran at their own pace, supported by experienced instructors.
• Tajweed Courses: Well-designed courses help Muslims to reach the right recitation of the Quran correctly. 
• Islamic Studies Courses: These courses help you know more about Islam and Tafsir. This is important since you need to understand the Quran and reflect on your daily life.

Our teachers are carefully selected to be able to explain personalized programs that adapt to each student’s level and goals. They know how to teach a child or an adult, a beginner or an advanced learner. We provide the support you need to grow.Explore our full range of courses and start a free evaluation session.

Conclusion:

Lahn in Tajweed is a very wide subject. Scholars divide it mainly into two categories: Lahn Khafi and Lahn Jali. The main difference between them is how obvious they are to the listener.

As part of Allah’s protection of the Qur’an, He appointed scholars to explain and clarify these types. 

We should learn Tajweed to pronounce Ayahs properly and avoid any Lahn. You can get rid of all Lahn by hard work and studying Arabic, Tajweed, and Tafseer. You will get rid of mistakes in recitation, and even if you make an error afterwards, you will not be sinful as long as you have done your best in learning.