What does « To recite distinctly » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word To recite distinctly (رتل) in the Quran, with 2 verses in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.

رتل

To recite distinctly

Root: ر - ت - ل

Quranic language 2 verses

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of To recite distinctly

Al-ratal: harmonious arrangement and order.

Allah says: 'And recite (rattil) the Quran distinctly' (Al-Muzzammil: 4).

Tartîl is slow, clear and meditative Quran recitation, letter by letter, with contemplation.

To recite distinctly in the Quran (2)

Meccan: 2 Medinan: 0

Distribution of verses by surah

Al-Furqan 1

Al-Muzzammil 1

Surah Al-Furqan : 32 Meccan

﴿وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ جُمْلَةً وَٰحِدَةً كَذَٰلِكَ لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ وَرَتَّلْنَٰهُ تَرْتِيلًا﴾

And those who disbelieve say, "Why was the Qur'an not revealed to him all at once?" Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly.

Surah Al-Muzzammil : 4 Meccan

﴿أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا﴾

Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.