What does it mean when you say "singing" the Qur'an? Is it the "singing" we hear today (on the radio for example) or another type..

Assalamu Aleikum

In the answer#011201, you wrote that "...we always have to make sure we are not "singing" the Qur'an." You also mentioned that proper Arabic intonation should be used and not the fabricated one similar to music. My questions are: 

1)What does it mean when you say "singing" the Qur'an? Is it the "singing" we hear today (on the radio for example) or another type of singing?

2) When you say proper Arabic intonation do you mean reciting the Qur'an by respecting the rules of Tajweed such as stops, punctuation according to the way the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to read?

May Allah help you find an answer inshallah

Ma'a Salam

Answer

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatu Alllahi wa barakatuh,

1. Any type of sound that reminds you of singing, no matter what kind, would be incorrect when reciting the Qur’an. 

2.  Yes, some readers, in their desire to beautify their reading exaggerate some rules, such as making a four vowel count lengthenings 10 or more counts, or a two count lengthening longer; at other times they may drop a rule, such as a ghunnah at the end of a word, etc.  Of course, as humans we can err, but if this type of exaggeration or dropping rules in an effort to make the recitation “sound” good is consistent in the recitation, then it is not proper Arabic intonation.  We do not think it is proper to mention names of reciters that may or may not have this err. We should all strive to read as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah upon him, did with proper tajweed and not exaggerate or drop rules purposefully in our recitation. 

May Allah make you of those who recite the Qur’an with proper tajweed without exaggeration and without deficiency. 

Wa assalaam alaikum