Why Tarteel Should Be Judged Differently From Hifz
In Quran competitions around the world, participants often compete in different categories such as Hifz (memorisation) and Tarteel (measured recitation). While these categories may overlap in their goals — namely, preserving the words of the Quran and encouraging their proper recitation — they require distinct skills and serve different purposes. As such, the assessment of these disciplines should also be approached differently to maintain fairness and promote the integrity of each area. This article explores the importance of treating Tarteel and Hifz as separate categories with unique judging criteria.
What Is Hifz?
Hifz refers to the memorisation of the Quran. Students who undertake Hifz immerse themselves in learning the entire text of the Quran word-for-word, often beginning at a young age. The ultimate goal in a Hifz programme is full retention and accurate recall of the entire Quran, usually without access to the text.
In competitions, Hifz is judged primarily on:
- Accuracy of memorisation – ensuring the recitation matches the exact words in the Quran with no additions or omissions.
- Promptness – the ability to begin reciting immediately after being prompted, even from obscure or difficult points in the Quran.
- Consistency – demonstrating even performance throughout the recitation, including verses from different Juz’ (sections).
- Retention under pressure – managing nerves and distractions while delivering a faultless recitation from memory.
While elements such as pronunciation and fluency are also important, the dominant focus in Hifz competitions remains on how well the memorisation has been preserved and maintained.
What Is Tarteel?
Tarteel refers to the measured, rhythmic, and articulate recitation of the Quran. The term is derived from the Quran itself, where in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:4), it is said: “And recite the Qur’an with measured recitation (Tarteel).” This instructs Muslims not merely to recite the Quran, but to do so in a contemplative and deliberate manner.
In competitions, Tarteel is often judged based on:
- Adherence to Tajweed rules – proper pronunciation and articulation based on classical rules governing Quranic recitation.
- Tempo and rhythm – maintaining an appropriate pace that reflects the meaning and context of the verses.
- Voice control and beauty – using the natural tone of the voice to enhance the spiritual impact of the recitation, without excessive ornamentation associated with Tilawah or Mujawwad styles.
- Pausing at appropriate points – understanding where to pause or continue based on the meanings and punctuation in the Quran.
What distinguishes Tarteel is that it is often read from a Mushaf (physical Quran), and the focus is not on recalling verses from memory but on delivering them with clarity, beauty, and correct enunciation.
The Key Differences Between Hifz and Tarteel
While both disciplines relate to the Quran, they activate different cognitive, linguistic, and spiritual skills. Recognising these differences is essential for fair and meaningful assessment in competitions.
1. Memory vs. Delivery
Hifz depends heavily on memory. Participants must recall verses precisely, often without visual prompts, and be able to continue seamlessly after a given starting point. The difficulty of reciting from memory makes minor errors more understandable but also more impactful.
Tarteel, by contrast, involves reading, which allows the reciter to focus less on memory and more on articulation, rhythm, and meaning. While the Mushaf provides the text, correct delivery still requires immense training in Tajweed and linguistic awareness.
2. Error Interpretation
In Hifz, an error may imply a lapse in memorisation and is thus marked strictly. A skipped word or additional phrase could severely impact the score. Judges often require immediate self-correction or prompting.
In Tarteel, since the reciter is usually reading directly from the Mushaf, errors are more likely to be related to Tajweed, misplaced elongation, or improper pauses — not the memorisation itself. Such errors require a different approach to correction and grading, focusing on vocal technique rather than recall ability.
3. Use of Mushaf
It is common and even recommended in many Tarteel competitions for the reciter to read from the Mushaf. This aligns with the purpose of reciting clearly and reflectively. In Hifz, however, the use of Mushaf is not allowed, as the intention is to test full memorisation competency.
4. Objectives and Outcomes
The objective of Hifz is preservation — ensuring the words of the Quran are safeguarded in the memory of individuals. Competitions aim to honour the discipline and effort required to commit the entire Quran to heart.
The objective of Tarteel is transmission — conveying the meanings, rhythm, and beauty of the Quran as it should be heard. The goal is to recite with mindfulness and understanding, modelling the recitation that best conveys the Quran’s tone and guidance.
Why Applying the Same Judging Criteria is Problematic
Applying identical criteria to judge both Hifz and Tarteel reciters can lead to unfair evaluations and inconsistent standards. Several issues arise when this mistake is made:
- Over-penalisation of vocal errors in Hifz: In an attempt to apply Tajweed rules rigorously, judges may disproportionately penalise a Hifz contestant whose main skillset lies in memorisation, not vocal performance.
- Misjudging Tarteel performance for lack of memory recall: A Tarteel reader may be unjustly scored lower for not memorising the passage, when actually it was never a requirement for this category.
- Inappropriate reward systems: When judges do not distinguish clearly between memorisation-based excellence and recitation excellence, the results may favour one discipline over another unfairly, discouraging skills like voice control and proper rhythm.
The Case for Separate Standardised Marking Schemes
Given the distinct nature and goals of Hifz and Tarteel, each deserves a dedicated marking scheme that respects its attributes. Both can still be challenging and rigorous, but their evaluation metrics should reflect their core competencies.
Suggested Elements for Hifz Marking
- Number and type of memory errors
- Consistency of memory through different sections
- Promptness and fluency in transitioning between verses
- Ability to self-correct memory lapses
Suggested Elements for Tarteel Marking
- Correct application of Tajweed rules
- Measured tempo and controlled pacing
- Natural and pleasing voice tone, within accepted bounds
- Determination of correct Waqf (pauses) and understanding of verse meanings
Subject-matter alignment is crucial. Those judging Tarteel should have deep familiarity with the rules of Qira’at and Tajweed, while Hifz judges should be highly attuned to variance in memory cues and verse ordering.
The Broader Benefits of Recognising the Difference
Respecting the differences between Hifz and Tarteel is not merely procedural — it offers real benefits to participants, organisers, and audiences alike.
- Improved participant confidence: Reciters and memorisers gain clarity about performance expectations and can prepare accordingly.
- Better educational outcomes: Students can specialise and deepen their skills without feeling penalised for focusing on one route over another.
- Enhanced judging integrity: Judges apply better-defined criteria and avoid the subjective overlap that may skew scores.
- Increased audience appreciation: Spectators can enjoy recitations with clearer understanding and differentiate between types of excellence.
Conclusion
Although both Hifz and Tarteel celebrate the Quran, they do so through different skill sets, learning methods, and goals. Judging them with the same standard overlooks their unique contributions and risks undervaluing the efforts of participants trained in one over the other. Competitions that carefully distinguish between the two in their rules, marking schemes, and evaluation process not only promote fairness but also uphold the diverse ways in which the Quran is honoured by its followers. Establishing dedicated approaches for each category can foster excellence in Quranic education and help preserve the full spectrum of Islamic tradition in recitation and memorisation.
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