Izhar in tajweed: Letters, types and examples
Following the noble words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it,” the study of Tajweed holds an essential place in ensuring the Quran is recited correctly. Tajweed, the art of proper pronunciation and articulation, is not just a set of rules but a way to engage with the Quran in its most authentic form. Among these rules, Izhar in Tajweed stands out as a key principle, helping us pronounce clearly and distinctly while preserving the integrity and meaning of the words. Understanding and mastering these rules ensures that we recite the Quran in the way it was revealed, fulfilling both the spiritual and linguistic dimensions of the sacred text.
Izhar tajweed: journey towards perfect recitation
Izhar is a key rule in Tajweed that ensures clarity in the pronunciation of Arabic letters during Quranic recitation. The word “Izhar” itself means “to make something clear,” and in the context of tajweed, it refers to the precise and clear articulation of certain letters when they follow noon sakinah or tanween.
When this rule is applied, the letter following noon sakinah or tanween is pronounced distinctly, with no nasal sound (Ghunna), ensuring that the sound of each letter is clear and separate from the others. The rule of Izhar is essential for proper recitation, as it helps preserve the correct pronunciation and avoids any blending or unclear sounds, ultimately enhancing the beauty and accuracy of Quranic recitation.
Letters of izhar in tajweed
- Haa هـ
- Hamz ء
- Haa ح
- Ghain غ
- Khaa خ
- Ain ع
Letters of Al izhar tajweed are 6, if you find any of these letters after Noon Sakinah or Tanween, it means we will apply the izhar rules.
What are the different types of izhar tajweed?
There are 3 main types of Izhar these are:
- Izhar halqi
- Izhar shafawi
- Izhar mutlak
Let’s break them down
- Izhar halqi
Izhar Halqi rule applies when any of the 6 specific Izhar letters follow Noon Sakinah or Tanween. These letters are articulated clearly and distinctly without any nasal sound (Ghunna), ensuring proper pronunciation.
What sets Izhar Halqi apart is that it relies on different parts of the throat for the correct pronunciation of the letters. There are three categories based on the area of the throat used:
- Upper throat: Hamzah(ء) and Haa (هـ)
- Middle throat: Ain (ع) and Haa (ح)
- Lower throat: Ghain (غ) and Khaa (خ)
Each of these letters must be pronounced clearly when they appear after Noon Sakinah or Tanween, and they are called Izhar Halqi because their articulation depends on the throat. This ensures that each letter is pronounced from its proper point of articulation (Makhraj), contributing to the precise and beautiful recitation of the Quran.
- Izhar shafawi
This is a specific rule in Tajweed that deals with the pronunciation of Meem Sakinah (م سكون). Unlike other forms of Izhar, which involve Noon Sakinah or Tanween, Izhar Shafawi applies solely to the letter Meem when it is in a consonant state (sokon). The rule states that when Meem Sakinah is followed by any letter, the pronunciation of the following letter should be clear and distinct, except when the following letter is Meem (م) or Baa (ب). This rule ensures the correct and precise articulation of the Meem Sakinah without any nasal sound or blending.
- Izhar mutlak
That rule applies when the consonant noon Sakinah is followed by either the letter Waw (و) or Yaa (ي). In this case, the Noon must be pronounced clearly and distinctly, without any nasal sound or blending. This is crucial for maintaining the correct pronunciation and meaning of the word.
Unlike other types of Izhar, Izhar Mutlak does not rely on specific areas of the throat for pronunciation, nor does it involve any special articulation rules. The focus is simply on the clarity of the noon sound. When the constant noon precedes Waw or Yaa, it should be articulated fully and clearly, ensuring that the word’s meaning remains intact.
Izhar examples from Quran
The following table include some tajweed Izhar examples
مثال مع تنوين | مثال بدون تنوين | الحرف |
كلٌ ءامن | من ءامن | ء |
جرفٍ هار | منهم | هــ |
حكِيمٌ عليم | مَنْ عَمل | ع |
قولاً غير | مِّنْ غِلٍّ | غ |
حكيمٍ حميد | وَانْحَرْ | ح |
عليمٌ خبير | الْمُنْخَنِقَةُ | خ |
Izhar mutlak examples
- The word (الدنيا). Example: “تبتغون عرض الحياة الدنيا”
- The word (البنيان). Example: “إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ”
- The word (صنوان). Example: “وَفِي الْأَرْضِ قِطَعٌ مُّتَجَاوِرَاتٌ وَجَنَّاتٌ مِّنْ أَعْنَابٍ وَزَرْعٌ وَنَخِيلٌ صِنْوَانٌ وَغَيْرُ صِنْوَانٍ”
Why learning tajweed from professionals?
Learning izhar in tajweed is an intricate process that requires a blend of dedication, consistency, and expert guidance. Mastering the rules of Tajweed is not simply about memorizing rules but about understanding the subtle nuances of pronunciation, articulation points, and the proper interaction of letters. These complexities can only be fully appreciated and practiced under the mentorship of experienced, qualified teachers. Professional instruction ensures that learners apply the rules correctly and achieve the optimal level of accuracy in their recitation.
Seeking guidance from proficient tutors is crucial, as they provide personalized feedback, correct mistakes, and ensure that each student understands the deeper aspects of Tajweed. A solid foundation in Tajweed builds confidence in reciting the Quran with precision and spiritual connection.
For those looking to master Tajweed, Noor Institute offers the ideal environment for learning. Through their expert-led Quran online classes, students can gain the necessary skills to recite with clarity and authenticity.
Why Choose Noor Institute?
Noor Institute offers a professional, structured approach to learning Tajweed with the following benefits:
- Qualified Tutors: Experienced and certified teachers who specialize in Tajweed and Quranic recitation.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: A well-rounded curriculum that includes both theoretical and practical aspects of Tajweed.
- Flexible Online Classes: Learn from anywhere at your own convenience with accessible online classes.
- Interactive Tools: State-of-the-art learning tools that help in mastering the articulation points and pronunciation.
- Progressive Learning: Continuous assessment and feedback to ensure consistent improvement.
Mastering Izhar tajweed with Noor Institute
Mastering Izhar in Tajweed is an essential step in perfecting Quranic recitation. At Noor Institute, we offer a structured and supportive environment for students to do just that. At Noor Institute, students receive expert guidance from qualified tutors who break down the intricacies of tajweed and its correct application. The online classes at Noor Institute, part of our Online Tajweed Course, are designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, enabling students to confidently recite the Quran with precision.
With personalized attention, modern teaching tools, and a comprehensive curriculum, Noor Institute ensures that students master tajweed, achieving accuracy in every recitation.
Join our online classes today to master the art of quran recitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Which verse in the Quran contains all the letters of the Arabic alphabet?
The verse that contains all the letters of the Arabic alphabet is the final verse (29) of Surah Al-Fath.
- Can izhar shafawi occur within a single word?
When one of the letters of Shafawi Izhar follows a mim saakinah (silent mim) in a word or two, Izhar must be applied. This is known as izhar shafawi, which is pronounced without a distinct nasal sound (ghunnah). In the Mushaf, it is marked by placing a sukoon ( ˙ ) above the mim.