Learn
Murattal and Mujawwad: The Two Recitation Styles
The same reciter often records the Quran twice, in two different styles meant for two different purposes.
What is the difference between murattal and mujawwad recitation?
Murattal is measured, even-paced recitation intended for reading along and for memorisation. Mujawwad is slower and more elaborate, with extended melodic phrasing, intended for listening and for public occasions. Both follow the same rules of tajweed; they differ in pace and ornamentation, not in the text.
Which to choose
For reading along or memorising, murattal is the practical choice: the pace is steady and the phrasing is close to how the text sits on the page. Mujawwad recordings are considerably longer for the same passage, which makes following the text harder but suits listening.
Mu'allim recordings
Some reciters also record a mu'allim, or teaching, version. These repeat each phrase and are pitched at learners, particularly children. They are longer again than murattal and are meant to be repeated after rather than simply heard.
Bitrate and file size
Recordings are offered at different bitrates, commonly 32, 64 or 128 kbps. Higher bitrate means better audio and larger files. For speech, 64 kbps is usually indistinguishable from 128 on a phone speaker, and it downloads roughly twice as fast.
Common questions
Do the styles change the words?
No. The text is identical. Only pace, phrasing and melodic elaboration differ.
Which style is used in prayer?
Recitation in prayer is generally closer to murattal, since it is measured rather than elaborated.
Why do some reciters appear several times in a list?
Because the same reciter has recorded in more than one style or at more than one bitrate. This site groups them under the reciter's name.
Published by QuranOnline. Last reviewed . Editorial policy · Markdown copy