Noon sakinah and tanween rules are among the most basic rules of tajweed, and learning them makes your recitation smoother and more accurate. There are four rulings: idh-har, idgham, iqlab and ikhfa. In this article each one is explained simply, with its letters.
What are noon sakinah and tanween?
A noon sakinah is a noon with no vowel, as in “مِنْ”. Tanween is a double fatha, kasra or damma at the end of a word, as in “كِتَابًا”. Tanween is pronounced like a noon sakinah, so both follow the same rules, and the ruling depends on the letter that comes after.
1. Idh-har: clear pronunciation
If one of the six throat letters (ء ه ع ح غ خ) follows noon sakinah or tanween, the noon is pronounced clearly, without nasalization, as in “مَنْ آمَنَ”.
2. Idgham: merging
If one of the letters of “يرملون” follows, the noon merges into it. There are two kinds:
- With ghunnah: before ي ن م و.
- Without ghunnah: before ل ر.
For example, “مَن يَقُولُ” has idgham with ghunnah.
3. Iqlab: conversion
If the letter ب follows, the noon changes into a meem and is pronounced with ghunnah, hidden at the lips, as in “مِن بَعْدِ”.
4. Ikhfa: concealment
If one of the remaining fifteen letters follows, the noon is pronounced between clear and merged, with ghunnah, as in “مِن قَبْلِ”.
Quick review table
- Throat letters (6 letters): idh-har
- Letters of “يرملون” (6 letters): idgham
- The letter ب: iqlab
- The other 15 letters: ikhfa
How to practice
On each page of the Quran, find the noon sakinah and tanween, guess the ruling, and compare it with a skilled reciter. The best way is to learn with a knowledgeable teacher. To study tajweed systematically, see the Quranic Deputyship of the Complex, and as a starting point read Etiquette of Reciting the Quran. To reach us, use the Contact Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rulings do noon sakinah and tanween have?
Four: idh-har, idgham, iqlab and ikhfa.
Which letters cause idgham?
The six letters of “يرملون”: with ghunnah before ي ن م و, and without ghunnah before ل ر.
What is the ruling of noon sakinah before the letter ب?
Iqlab: the noon turns into a meem and is pronounced with ghunnah at the lips.
Conclusion
Idh-har, idgham, iqlab and ikhfa are the four rulings of noon sakinah and tanween, each decided by the letter that follows. With daily practice and a teacher’s guidance, these rules quickly settle into your recitation.