Rules of Noon Saakin and Tanween

Introduction

In Tajweed, understanding the precise rules governing the pronunciation of Arabic letters is paramount. Among the most fundamental and frequently encountered rules are those pertaining to “Noon Sakinah” and “Tanween”. These rules dictate how the Noon Sakinah and the various forms of Tanween are articulated when followed by specific letters, ensuring the beauty and accuracy of Quranic Recitation. Mastering these rules is essential for any student of the Quran, and for those who learn Quran online with Tajweed, as they significantly impact the meaning and melody of the recitation. This article will delve into the four primary rules of Noon Sakinah and Tanween: Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfa, providing a comprehensive guide to their application with illustrative examples.

Definition of Noon Sakinah and Tanween

Noon Sakinah (نْ) is the letter noon (ن) with a sukoon (a diacritical mark indicating no vowel) over it (some times it appear with no mark above it or with “م” mark above it ). It can appear in the middle or at the end of a word and is a fundamental letter in the Arabic alphabet.

Tanween is a diacritical mark that appears as a double vowel at the end of a noun. It indicates an “n” sound and is written as two fathas (ً) or one fatha with meem, two kasras (ٍ) or one kasra with meem, or two dammas (ٌ) or one damma with meem. Although it is pronounced as a noon sakinah, it is not written as the letter noon.

The Difference Between Noon Sakinah and Tanween

Feature	Noon Sakinah	Tanween
Written Form	The letter noon with a sukoon (نْ).	A double vowel mark at the end of a word.
Occurrence	Can be found in nouns, verbs, and prepositions.	Only occurs at the end of nouns.
Position in a Word	Can be in the middle or at the end of a word.	Only at the end of a word.
Pronunciation	Pronounced when continuing to the next word and when stopping.	Pronounced when continuing to the next word, but not when stopping.

Both noon sakinah and tanween are subject to the same four rules of Tajweed (the four rules of Noon sakinah and tanween): Izhar (clarity), Idgham (merging), Iqlab (changing), and Ikhfa (hiding). These rules determine how the “n” sound is pronounced depending on the letter that follows

1. Izhar (Clear Pronunciation)

Izhar, meaning “to make clear” or “to manifest,” is the rule applied when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of the six throat letters (حروف الحلق): Hamza (ء), Ha (ه), Ain (ع), Ha (ح), Ghain (غ), or Kha (خ). In such cases, the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is pronounced clearly, without nasalization (ghunnah) or merging with the subsequent letter. The sound of the Noon or Tanween remains distinct and audible.

Izhar letters :

ء, ه, ع, ح, غ, خ

Izhar examples :

2. Idgham (Merging)

Idgham, meaning “to merge” or “to combine,” occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of the six letters of Idgham, collectively known by the mnemonic “Yarmaloon” (يرملون). In this rule, the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is not pronounced distinctly but rather merges into the subsequent letter, becoming part of its sound. Idgham is further divided into two categories: Idgham with Ghunnah (nasalization) and Idgham without Ghunnah.

Letters of Idgham:

ي, ر, م, ل, و, ن

Idgham with Ghunnah

This type of Idgham occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of the letters: Ya (ي), Noon (ن), Meem (م), or Waw (و). The Noon Sakinah or Tanween merges into the following letter, and a nasal sound (ghunnah) is produced for two counts. This nasalization is a key characteristic of this type of Idgham, adding a distinct quality to the recitation.

Idgham Letters with Ghunnah :

ي, ن, م, و

Idgham examples with Ghunnah :

Idgham without Ghunnah

This type of Idgham occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of the letters: Lam (ل) or Ra (ر). In this case, the Noon Sakinah or Tanween merges completely into the following letter without any nasal sound (ghunnah). The pronunciation transitions smoothly from the Noon Sakinah or Tanween directly into the Lam or Ra.

Letters of Idgham without Ghunnah:

ل, ر

Idgham examples without Ghunnah:

3. Iqlab (Changing)

Iqlab, meaning “to change” or “to convert,” is a unique rule that applies when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by the letter Ba (ب). In this specific instance, the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is transformed into a hidden Meem (م) sound, which is then pronounced with a light ghunnah (nasalization) and merged with the Ba. This subtle phonetic shift is crucial for accurate recitation and is often indicated in the Quranic script by a small Meem (م) placed above the Noon Sakinah or Tanween.

Letter of Iqlab:

Iqlab examples:

4. Ikhfa (Concealment)

Ikhfa, meaning “to conceal” or “to hide,” is the most extensive of the Noon Sakinah and Tanween rules, applying when they are followed by any of the fifteen remaining letters of the Arabic alphabet that are not part of Izhar, Idgham, or Iqlab. In Ikhfa, the Noon Sakinah or Tanween is neither fully pronounced nor fully merged. Instead, it is partially hidden or concealed, and its sound is accompanied by a light nasalization (ghunnah) that is prolonged for two counts. The tongue does not fully touch the articulation point of the Noon; rather, it hovers near the articulation point of the subsequent letter, preparing for its pronunciation.

Letters of Ikhfa:

ت, ث, ج, د, ذ, ز, س, ش, ص, ض, ط, ظ, ف, ق, ك

Examples of Ikhfa:

Conclusion

The rules of Noon Sakinah and Tanween are foundational to proper Quranic recitation. By applying Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfa, reciters can ensure that they are reciting the Quran with the precision and beauty intended. For those looking to learn Quran online with Tajweed, understanding these rules is a crucial step towards achieving proficiency. Consistent practice and attentive listening are key to internalizing these rules and achieving proficiency in Tajweed. Enroll today at Luqman Institute and begin your journey toward mastering the art of Qur’anic recitation.

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References:

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