Quick Answer
Idgham means merging Noon Sakinah and Tanween into the following letter. Two types: with ghunnah (ي ن م و) and without ghunnah (ر ل). The noon disappears and its sound merges into the next letter, which is doubled like shaddah.
Key Rule: If the letter immediately after Noon Sakinah or Tanween is one of the Idgham letters (ي ن م و ر ل), apply Idgham — merge the /n/ into the next letter with or without ghunnah.
Next steps: Practice Iqlab conversion → Understand Ikhfā concealment → Master Ghunna nasalization
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Idgham
- What is Idgham in Noon Sakinah?
- Which Letters Cause Idgham?
- Types of Idgham (With/Without Ghunnah)
- The Exact Articulation
- Why These Letters Cause Idgham
- How to Apply Idgham in Tajweed
- Common Forms We Will Encounter
- Idgham Examples from Quran
- Special Situations and Clarifications
- Common Errors and How to Fix Them
- Exercises and Practice Drills
- Practice of Idgham Examples From Quran
- Quick Cheat-Sheet
- Advanced Notes
- Final Quick Practice Set
- Recommended Learning Path
- Frequently Asked Questions
In our previous lesson, we have covered an overview of Noon Sakinah and Tanween Rules. So, in this lesson, we are moving towards Idgham.
In this lesson, we'll explain Idgham from the ground up, step-by-step, with clear headings. This lesson is only about Idgham of Noon Sakinah & Tanween (not Idgham Shafawi).
Idgham is one of the most important rules in Tajweed because it affects the flow and rhythm of Quranic recitation. When we encounter certain letters after Noon Sakinah or Tanween, instead of pronouncing them separately, we merge them together. This creates a smooth, flowing sound that is characteristic of proper Quranic recitation.
Focus of This Lesson
Idgham in Noon Sakinah and Tanween — the rule of merging when encountering specific letters. This is one of the five main rules that determine how we pronounce the "n" sound when it meets different letters, ensuring proper articulation and flow in Quranic recitation.
What is Idgham in Noon Sakinah?
Idgham literally means "merging" or "assimilation." Think of it like blending two colors together — they become one new color. In Tajweed, Idgham means we blend the "n" sound with the letter that follows it.
In the context of Noon Sakinah (نْ) and Tanween (ـً / ـٍ / ـٌ), Idgham means we merge the "n" sound into the following letter — the noon disappears and its sound becomes part of the next letter, which is pronounced with emphasis (like shaddah). This creates a smooth, flowing transition instead of a choppy stop-and-start sound.
For example, when you see "مِنْ يَقُولُ" (min yaqūlu), instead of saying "min" then "yaqūlu" separately, we merge them to sound like "miy-yaqūlu" where the "n" becomes part of the "y" sound.
Practical Rule
If the letter immediately after a Noon Sakinah or Tanween is an Idgham letter, we apply Idgham — merge the /n/ into the next letter with or without ghunnah.
Which Letters Cause Idgham? (The Idgham Letters)
Not all letters cause Idgham. Only six specific letters trigger this merging rule. These letters are special because they have articulation points that are close to or similar to where we produce the "n" sound, making the merge natural and smooth.
These six letters are called حروف الإدغام (the Idgham letters). Whenever a Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed (in speech) by any of these six, we must use Idgham instead of pronouncing them separately.
What makes these letters special is that they're divided into two groups based on whether they create a nasal sound (ghunnah) when merged or not. This division is crucial for proper pronunciation.
| Letter | Name | Transliteration | Type | Makhraj |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ي | Yāʼ | yāʼ | With Ghunnah | Middle of tongue with hard palate |
| ن | Nūn | nūn | With Ghunnah | Tip of tongue with alveolar ridge |
| م | Mīm | mīm | With Ghunnah | Lips pressed together |
| و | Wāw | wāw | With Ghunnah | Lips rounded, back of tongue raised |
| ر | Rāʼ | rāʼ | Without Ghunnah | Tip of tongue with alveolar ridge |
| ل | Lām | lām | Without Ghunnah | Tip of tongue with alveolar ridge |
Memory Aid
These six letters are collectively memorized as: ي ن م و ر ل — sometimes recited as "Yā — Nūn — Mīm — Wāw — Rā — Lām".
Two Categories:
- With Ghunnah (ي ن م و): Merge with nasal hold for 2 counts
- Without Ghunnah (ر ل): Merge without nasal hold
Types of Idgham (With/Without Ghunnah)
Understanding the two types of Idgham is essential for proper pronunciation. The division depends on whether the merged letter naturally produces a nasal sound or not. This affects how we pronounce the merge and how long we hold certain sounds.
Think of it like this: some letters naturally have a "humming" quality (like when you hum a tune), while others are clear and sharp. When we merge with letters that have this humming quality, we hold that nasal sound for a specific duration.
Idgham with Ghunnah (إدغام بغنة)
This type occurs with four letters that naturally have nasal qualities. When we merge the "n" sound into these letters, we also hold a nasal "hum" (ghunnah) for approximately 2 counts. This creates a richer, more resonant sound.
Idgham with Ghunnah Characteristics
Letters:
ي ن م و (Yā, Nūn, Mīm, Wāw)
Process:
The noon/tanween merges into the following letter, and we hold a nasal ghunnah for approximately 2 counts.
Sound:
The merged letter sounds doubled (like shaddah) with a nasal quality.
Duration:
Ghunnah is held for 2 counts while the merged letter is pronounced.
Idgham without Ghunnah (إدغام بغير غنة)
This type occurs with two letters that are produced at the same place as the "n" sound but without nasal quality. When we merge the "n" sound into these letters, we don't hold any nasal sound — the merge is clean and clear, like a crisp, sharp sound.
Idgham without Ghunnah Characteristics
Letters:
ر ل (Rā, Lām)
Process:
The noon/tanween merges into the following letter without any nasal hold.
Sound:
The merged letter sounds doubled (like shaddah) but without nasal quality.
Duration:
No ghunnah hold — clean merge into the following letter.
The Exact Articulation (How Idgham Sounds)
Understanding exactly how Idgham sounds is crucial for proper pronunciation. The process involves several steps that happen quickly but must be executed precisely. Let's break down what happens physically when we perform Idgham.
Think of Idgham like a smooth handoff in a relay race — the "n" sound passes its energy to the following letter, which then carries that energy forward with added emphasis. The key is making this transition seamless and natural.
Idgham with Ghunnah Articulation
When merging with letters that have nasal qualities, we need to coordinate two things: the merge itself and the nasal hold. This requires careful timing and breath control to maintain the nasal resonance while pronouncing the merged letter.
With Ghunnah Process
1. Recognition
Identify noon/tanween followed by ي ن م و.
2. Merge
The /n/ sound disappears and merges into the following letter.
3. Double Sound
The following letter is pronounced doubled (like shaddah).
4. Nasal Hold
Hold ghunnah (nasal hum) for 2 counts while pronouncing the merged letter.
Idgham without Ghunnah Articulation
When merging with letters that don't have nasal qualities, the process is cleaner and more direct. We focus purely on the merge without any nasal hold, creating a crisp, clear sound that flows smoothly into the following letter.
Without Ghunnah Process
1. Recognition
Identify noon/tanween followed by ر ل.
2. Merge
The /n/ sound disappears and merges into the following letter.
3. Double Sound
The following letter is pronounced doubled (like shaddah).
4. No Nasal Hold
No ghunnah — clean, clear pronunciation of the merged letter.
Why These Letters Cause Idgham
Understanding why these specific letters cause Idgham helps us appreciate the wisdom behind Tajweed rules. It's not arbitrary — there's a phonetic reason that makes merging natural and beneficial for recitation.
The Idgham letters have articulation points that are close to or similar to the /n/ sound (alveolar ridge). This phonetic similarity makes merging natural and smooth, rather than forcing an awkward transition between very different sounds.
Think of it like this: if you're walking and need to change direction, it's easier to make a gradual turn than a sharp 90-degree turn. Similarly, merging sounds that are phonetically similar creates a smoother, more natural flow in recitation.
Phonetic Reasoning
- ي ن م و: Have nasal qualities or similar tongue positions — merging with ghunnah is natural
- ر ل: Produced at alveolar ridge (same as /n/) — merging without ghunnah maintains clarity
- Result: Smooth, flowing recitation without awkward pauses or breaks
How to Apply Idgham in Tajweed?
Applying Idgham correctly requires a systematic approach. You need to recognize the situation, determine the type of Idgham required, and then execute the merge with proper timing and technique.
The process might seem complex at first, but with practice, it becomes automatic. The key is understanding each step clearly and practicing them until they flow naturally together.
Application Steps
Step 1: Recognition
See a Noon Sakinah (نْ) or Tanween.
Step 2: Check Next Letter
Look at the very next pronounced letter (it may be in the next word).
Step 3: Apply Rule
If that next pronounced letter is one of ي ن م و ر ل, apply Idgham.
Step 4: Determine Type
ي ن م و → Idgham with ghunnah (2 counts nasal hold)
ر ل → Idgham without ghunnah (no nasal hold)
Step 5: Pronounce
Merge the /n/ into the following letter, pronounce it doubled, with or without ghunnah as required.
Important Note
The rule depends on the actually pronounced next letter. If the next letter is silent in pronunciation (for example hamzat al-wasl sometimes silent in wasl), use the letter that is actually heard.
Common Forms We Will Encounter
In Quranic recitation, Idgham appears in several common patterns. Understanding these patterns helps you recognize when to apply Idgham rules quickly and accurately during recitation.
Most commonly, you'll see Idgham when Noon Sakinah or Tanween appears at the end of one word and is followed by an Idgham letter at the beginning of the next word. This creates a natural flow between words that sounds smooth and connected.
Common Idgham Patterns
- Noon Sakinah + Idgham letter across words: e.g., مِنْ يَقُولُ (Noon Sakinah at end of first word, yāʼ at start of next) → Idgham with ghunnah.
- Tanween + Idgham letter across words: e.g., كِتَابًا لَهُ (kitāban lahu) → tanween (ـً) followed by lām → Idgham without ghunnah.
- Noon Sakinah immediately followed by Idgham letter in same word: (less common but possible in some morphological forms) — same treatment.
Idgham Examples from Quran
Now let's see Idgham in action with real examples from Quranic recitation. These examples show how Idgham appears in actual verses and how to pronounce them correctly.
Each example demonstrates a different aspect of Idgham, showing both types (with and without ghunnah) and different letters. Pay attention to how the "n" sound merges smoothly into the following letter, creating a flowing, connected sound.
We show examples that occur commonly in Quranic recitation and Tajweed practice. For each: Arabic phrase, transliteration, which letter follows, and how we pronounce it (explain).
Important Note
We give the practice examples as they are read (not necessarily with verse references). These forms appear throughout Qur'ānic recitation.
Example 1 - Idgham with Ghunnah (Yā)
Arabic:
مِنْ يَقُولُ
Transliteration:
min yaqūlu
Why Idgham:
Noon Sakinah (نْ) is followed by ي (yāʼ) — an Idgham letter with ghunnah.
How to pronounce:
The /n/ merges into yāʼ, which is pronounced doubled (like shaddah) with ghunnah for 2 counts: miy-yaqūlu (with nasal hold).
What to feel:
As you say "min," don't complete the "n" sound. Instead, let it flow into the "y" sound while holding a nasal hum. The "y" should sound doubled and nasal.
Practice note:
Feel the nasal hum while pronouncing the doubled yāʼ — this is the ghunnah. Practice slowly: "miy" (with nasal hold) then "yaqūlu."
Example 2 - Idgham with Ghunnah (Nūn)
Arabic:
كِتَابًا نَزَّلْنَاهُ
Transliteration:
kitāban nazzalnāhu
Why Idgham:
Tanween ـً (kitāban) is followed by ن (nūn) — Idgham letter with ghunnah.
How to pronounce:
The tanween /n/ merges into nūn, which is pronounced doubled with ghunnah for 2 counts: kitāban-nazzalnāhu (with nasal hold).
What to feel:
The tanween "an" doesn't finish its "n" sound. Instead, it flows into the next "n" sound, creating a doubled "n" with nasal resonance. It should sound like "kitāban-nazzalnāhu" where the "n" is emphasized and nasal.
Practice note:
The doubled nūn should sound like shaddah with nasal quality. Practice: "kitāban" (pause) then "nazzalnāhu" with nasal "n."
Example 3 - Idgham with Ghunnah (Mīm)
Arabic:
مِنْ مَاءٍ
Transliteration:
min māʼin
Why Idgham:
Noon Sakinah followed by م (mīm) — Idgham letter with ghunnah.
How to pronounce:
The /n/ merges into mīm, which is pronounced doubled with ghunnah for 2 counts: mim-māʼin (with nasal hold).
Practice note:
Mīm naturally has nasal quality, so the ghunnah blends smoothly.
Example 4 - Idgham with Ghunnah (Wāw)
Arabic:
كِتَابًا وَاحِدًا
Transliteration:
kitāban wāḥidan
Why Idgham:
Tanween ـً followed by و (wāw) — Idgham letter with ghunnah.
How to pronounce:
The tanween /n/ merges into wāw, which is pronounced doubled with ghunnah for 2 counts: kitāban-wāḥidan (with nasal hold).
Practice note:
Wāw requires lip rounding — maintain this while holding ghunnah.
Example 5 - Idgham without Ghunnah (Rā)
Arabic:
مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ
Transliteration:
min rabbihim
Why Idgham:
Noon Sakinah before ر (rāʼ) — Idgham letter without ghunnah.
How to pronounce:
The /n/ merges into rāʼ, which is pronounced doubled without ghunnah: mir-rabbihim (no nasal hold).
What to feel:
The "n" sound flows into the "r" sound, creating a doubled "r" that's crisp and clear. No nasal hum — just a clean, sharp "r" sound. It should sound like "mir-rabbihim" where the "r" is emphasized but not nasal.
Practice note:
Clean, clear pronunciation of doubled rāʼ — no nasal quality. Practice: "min" (don't finish the "n") then "rabbihim" with emphasized "r."
Example 6 - Idgham without Ghunnah (Lām)
Arabic:
كِتَابًا لَهُ
Transliteration:
kitāban lahu
Why Idgham:
Tanween ـً followed by ل (lām) — Idgham letter without ghunnah.
How to pronounce:
The tanween /n/ merges into lām, which is pronounced doubled without ghunnah: kitāban-lahu (no nasal hold).
What to feel:
The tanween "an" flows into the "l" sound, creating a doubled "l" that's clear and crisp. No nasal hum — just a clean "l" sound. It should sound like "kitāban-lahu" where the "l" is emphasized but not nasal.
Practice note:
Clean, clear pronunciation of doubled lām — no nasal quality. Practice: "kitāban" (don't finish the "n") then "lahu" with emphasized "l."
Special Situations and Clarifications
While the basic Idgham rules are straightforward, there are some special situations that can cause confusion. Understanding these exceptions and special cases helps you apply Idgham correctly in all circumstances.
These situations often arise from the way Arabic orthography works or from specific grammatical constructions. Don't worry if they seem complex at first — with practice, recognizing these patterns becomes second nature.
A. What if the Following Letter is Hamzat ul-Wasl (همزة الوصل)?
Hamzat al-wasl can be tricky because sometimes it's pronounced and sometimes it's not, depending on the context. This affects whether Idgham applies or not.
Rule Application
The rule always depends on what is actually pronounced.
- If the hamzat al-wasl is pronounced (for example when starting the word), and it is one of the Idgham letters (hamzah doesn't cause Idgham), then Idgham does not apply.
- If hamzat al-wasl becomes silent in wasl (i.e., it is not pronounced because of preceding vowel or elision), then check the next audible letter and apply the corresponding rule.
Practical rule for learners: Look at the actual pronounced first sound of the next word. If that pronounced sound is an Idgham letter, apply Idgham.
B. Stopping (Waqf) and Tanween:
When you stop at the end of a word that has tanween, the tanween disappears completely. This means there's no "n" sound to merge, so Idgham doesn't apply at that pause.
If we stop on a word that has tanween, tanween is dropped at the stop — there is no final /n/ heard. Therefore Idgham (which requires an audible /n/) does not apply at that pause. Example: kitāban when stopped becomes kitāb.
C. Noon Sakinah Written vs. Actual Pronunciation
Sometimes what you see written isn't what you actually pronounce. Arabic orthography can show letters that are silent in certain contexts, so always base your Tajweed rules on the actual sounds you make, not just the written form.
Sometimes Arabic orthography shows hamza or other letters that are not pronounced depending on elision rules; always base the rule on sound, not spelling.
D. Special Case: Nūn + Nūn
When Noon Sakinah is followed by another Nūn, this creates a special situation where both letters are identical. This requires extra attention to ensure the merge is performed correctly.
Double Nūn Rule
When Noon Sakinah is followed by Nūn: This creates a special case where both letters are the same. The first /n/ merges into the second nūn, creating a doubled nūn with ghunnah for 2 counts.
Example: مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ → min ni'matin → pronounced as min-ni'matin (doubled nūn with ghunnah).
Common Errors Learners Make with Idgham and How to Fix Them
Common Mistakes & Correction Strategies
1. Not Merging Properly (Pronouncing Both Letters Separately)
Mistake: Pronouncing noon and the following letter separately instead of merging.
Fix: Practice the merge: say the noon, then immediately transition to the doubled sound of the following letter. Record and compare with expert reciters.
2. Missing Ghunnah in Idgham with Ghunnah
Mistake: Merging without holding ghunnah for ي ن م و.
Fix: Practice holding nasal hum for 2 counts while pronouncing the merged letter. Use a metronome to count the duration.
3. Adding Ghunnah to Idgham without Ghunnah
Mistake: Adding nasal hold to ر ل merges.
Fix: Practice clean, clear pronunciation without nasal quality. Focus on the doubled sound without ghunnah.
4. Incorrect Doubling (Not Pronouncing Like Shaddah)
Mistake: Merging but not doubling the following letter properly.
Fix: Practice pronouncing the merged letter as if it has shaddah — doubled and emphasized.
5. Confusing Idgham with Other Rules
Mistake: Applying Izhar or Ikhfā when Idgham is required.
Fix: Memorize the six Idgham letters and practice recognition drills.
6. Inconsistent Ghunnah Duration
Mistake: Holding ghunnah too short or too long.
Fix: Practice with a metronome: hold ghunnah for exactly 2 counts (not 1, not 3).
Exercises and Practice Drills (Targeted for Idgham Mastery)
Practice Drills
Drill A — Isolation Drill
Take these two-word pairs and read them slowly then at normal pace:
- مِنْ يَـ → min ya- (with ghunnah)
- كِتَابًا نَـ → kitāban na- (with ghunnah)
- مِنْ مَـ → min ma- (with ghunnah)
- كِتَابًا وَـ → kitāban wa- (with ghunnah)
- مِنْ رَـ → min ra- (without ghunnah)
- كِتَابًا لَـ → kitāban la- (without ghunnah)
Focus: merge the /n/ into the following letter, pronounce it doubled, with or without ghunnah as required.
Drill B — Detection Drill
Read a short passage and underline every Noon Sakinah and Tanween. For each, write the following pronounced letter and mark whether it is an Idgham letter (if yes → determine with or without ghunnah). This trains recognition.
Drill C — Compare and Contrast
Put side-by-side minimal pairs to feel the difference:
- مِنْ يَـ (idgham with ghunnah) vs مِنْ هَـ (izhar)
- مِنْ رَـ (idgham without ghunnah) vs مِنْ عَـ (izhar)
- مِنْ نَـ (idgham with ghunnah) vs مِنْ بَـ (iqlab)
Reading both will help tune your ear to the differences.
Drill D — Ghunnah Duration Drill
Practice Idgham with ghunnah using a metronome:
- Set metronome to 60 BPM
- Pronounce merged letter on beat 1
- Hold ghunnah through beats 1-2
- Release on beat 3
This ensures consistent 2-count ghunnah duration.
Drill E — Record & Check
Record yourself reading example sentences with Idgham and compare to a reliable qāriʼ. Listen for proper merging, correct doubling, and appropriate ghunnah duration.
Practice of Idgham Examples From Quran
Below is a comprehensive set of Quranic excerpts (short phrase-level selections that commonly appear in the Qur'ān). For each excerpt we:
- Show the Arabic phrase (we bold the word which contains the Noon Sakinah or Tanween).
- Give a transliteration.
- Identify the next letter (the one immediately after the noon/tanween).
- State: Idgham applies because that next letter is one of the Idgham letters (ي ن م و ر ل).
- Explain exactly how to pronounce it (what to feel / hold / avoid).
Note
These are Quranic excerpts commonly used for Tajweed practice.
Idgham Examples Grouped by Type
Idgham with Ghunnah — Pronounce Merged Letter Doubled + Nasal Hold (2 counts)
Idgham with Ghunnah before ي (yāʼ)
مِنْ يَقُولُ
- Transliteration: min yaqūlu
- Next letter: ي (yāʼ) — Idgham letter with ghunnah.
- Why Idgham: Noon Sakinah followed by ي → Idgham with ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: miy-yaqūlu — merge /n/ into yāʼ, pronounce doubled with ghunnah for 2 counts.
كِتَابًا يَهْدِي
- Transliteration: kitāban yahdī
- Next letter: ي (yāʼ) at start of yahdī.
- Why Idgham: Tanween (ـً) → pronounced as /-an/ followed by ي → Idgham with ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: ki-tāban-yahdī — merge tanween /n/ into yāʼ, pronounce doubled with ghunnah.
مِنْ يَوْمٍ
- Transliteration: min yawmin
- Next letter: ي.
- How to pronounce: miy-yawmin — merge /n/ into yāʼ with ghunnah for 2 counts.
Idgham with Ghunnah before ن (nūn)
مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ
- Transliteration: min ni'matin
- Next letter: ن (nūn) — Idgham letter with ghunnah.
- Why Idgham: Noon Sakinah followed by ن → Idgham with ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: min-ni'matin — merge /n/ into nūn, pronounce doubled with ghunnah for 2 counts.
كِتَابًا نَزَّلْنَاهُ
- Transliteration: kitāban nazzalnāhu
- Next letter: ن (nūn) at start of nazzalnāhu.
- Why Idgham: Tanween (ـً) → pronounced as /-an/ followed by ن → Idgham with ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: ki-tāban-nazzalnāhu — merge tanween /n/ into nūn, pronounce doubled with ghunnah.
مِنْ نَفْسٍ
- Transliteration: min nafsin
- Next letter: ن.
- How to pronounce: min-nafsin — merge /n/ into nūn with ghunnah for 2 counts.
Idgham with Ghunnah before م (mīm)
مِنْ مَاءٍ
- Transliteration: min māʼin
- Next letter: م (mīm) — Idgham letter with ghunnah.
- Why Idgham: Noon Sakinah followed by م → Idgham with ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: mim-māʼin — merge /n/ into mīm, pronounce doubled with ghunnah for 2 counts.
كِتَابًا مُبَارَكٌ
- Transliteration: kitāban mubārakun
- Next letter: م (mīm) at start of mubārakun.
- Why Idgham: Tanween (ـً) → pronounced as /-an/ followed by م → Idgham with ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: ki-tāban-mubārakun — merge tanween /n/ into mīm, pronounce doubled with ghunnah.
مِنْ مَالٍ
- Transliteration: min mālin
- Next letter: م.
- How to pronounce: mim-mālin — merge /n/ into mīm with ghunnah for 2 counts.
Idgham with Ghunnah before و (wāw)
مِنْ وَرَاءِ
- Transliteration: min warāʼi
- Next letter: و (wāw) — Idgham letter with ghunnah.
- Why Idgham: Noon Sakinah followed by و → Idgham with ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: miw-warāʼi — merge /n/ into wāw, pronounce doubled with ghunnah for 2 counts.
كِتَابًا وَاحِدًا
- Transliteration: kitāban wāḥidan
- Next letter: و (wāw) at start of wāḥidan.
- Why Idgham: Tanween (ـً) → pronounced as /-an/ followed by و → Idgham with ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: ki-tāban-wāḥidan — merge tanween /n/ into wāw, pronounce doubled with ghunnah.
مِنْ وَلَدٍ
- Transliteration: min waladin
- Next letter: و.
- How to pronounce: miw-waladin — merge /n/ into wāw with ghunnah for 2 counts.
Idgham without Ghunnah — Pronounce Merged Letter Doubled (No Nasal Hold)
Idgham without Ghunnah before ر (rāʼ)
مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ
- Transliteration: min rabbihim
- Next letter: ر (rāʼ) — Idgham letter without ghunnah.
- Why Idgham: Noon Sakinah followed by ر → Idgham without ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: mir-rabbihim — merge /n/ into rāʼ, pronounce doubled without ghunnah.
كِتَابًا رَبَّنَا
- Transliteration: kitāban rabbanā
- Next letter: ر (rāʼ) at start of rabbanā.
- Why Idgham: Tanween (ـً) → pronounced as /-an/ followed by ر → Idgham without ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: ki-tāban-rabbanā — merge tanween /n/ into rāʼ, pronounce doubled without ghunnah.
مِنْ رَحْمَةٍ
- Transliteration: min raḥmatin
- Next letter: ر.
- How to pronounce: mir-raḥmatin — merge /n/ into rāʼ without ghunnah.
Idgham without Ghunnah before ل (lām)
مِنْ لَدُنْهُ
- Transliteration: min ladunhu
- Next letter: ل (lām) — Idgham letter without ghunnah.
- Why Idgham: Noon Sakinah followed by ل → Idgham without ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: mil-ladunhu — merge /n/ into lām, pronounce doubled without ghunnah.
كِتَابًا لَهُ
- Transliteration: kitāban lahu
- Next letter: ل (lām) at start of lahu.
- Why Idgham: Tanween (ـً) → pronounced as /-an/ followed by ل → Idgham without ghunnah.
- How to pronounce: ki-tāban-lahu — merge tanween /n/ into lām, pronounce doubled without ghunnah.
مِنْ لِسَانٍ
- Transliteration: min lisānin
- Next letter: ل.
- How to pronounce: mil-lisānin — merge /n/ into lām without ghunnah.
For Each Example — Quick Micro-Exercises
3-Step Micro-Drill
For every excerpt above, practise this 3-step micro-drill:
Step 1: Read Slow & Isolate
Say only the first word with noon/tanween (e.g., min… / kitāban…). Make the /n/ very clear.
Step 2: Add Following Word Slowly
Pause an instant, then merge the /n/ into the Idgham letter, pronouncing it doubled with or without ghunnah as required.
Step 3: Speed Up
Speed up to natural recitation tempo while maintaining proper merging and ghunnah duration.
Explanatory Summary & What to Listen For (Practice-Focused)
Key Points
- Key identification rule: if the immediately following pronounced letter is one of ي ن م و ر ل, we call Idgham and must merge the /n/ into the following letter.
- With ghunnah (ي ن م و): merge with nasal hold for 2 counts — the merged letter sounds doubled with nasal quality.
- Without ghunnah (ر ل): merge without nasal hold — the merged letter sounds doubled but clean and clear.
- What to avoid: pronouncing noon and following letter separately, missing ghunnah duration, or adding ghunnah where none is required.
Quick Cheat-Sheet (One-Card Summary)
Essential Idgham Summary
- When to use Idgham: When Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by any of ي ن م و ر ل.
- With ghunnah (ي ن م و): Merge /n/ into following letter, pronounce doubled with nasal hold for 2 counts.
- Without ghunnah (ر ل): Merge /n/ into following letter, pronounce doubled without nasal hold.
- Remember: Rule depends on the next pronounced letter. If you stop (waqf) on tanween, tanween is dropped.
Advanced Notes (For When We Go Deeper)
Advanced Considerations
- Transitional cases with hamzat al-wasl require awareness of wasl/waqf rules.
- Different qirāʼāt: some recitation variants may show different ways to pause or vocalise, but Idgham as a principle is consistent in the primary qirāʼāt.
- Reading quickly vs slowly: In fast, fluent recitation the Idgham must still be audible; it becomes a reflex to merge properly. Practice slow → medium → normal speeds.
- Ghunnah duration precision: Advanced reciters maintain exact 2-count ghunnah duration even in rapid recitation.
Final Quick Practice Set (Read Aloud)
Practice Phrases
Say each phrase aloud, slowly, then normally, applying Idgham:
- مِنْ يَقُولُ — min yaqūlu (with ghunnah)
- كِتَابًا نَزَّلْنَاهُ — kitāban nazzalnāhu (with ghunnah)
- مِنْ مَاءٍ — min māʼin (with ghunnah)
- كِتَابًا وَاحِدًا — kitāban wāḥidan (with ghunnah)
- مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ — min rabbihim (without ghunnah)
- كِتَابًا لَهُ — kitāban lahu (without ghunnah)
After practising these, test yourself by reading any short sura or passage and identifying every case of Idgham.
Recommended Learning Path
Next Steps After Mastering Idgham
- Practice Iqlab conversion — Master conversion to meem before ب
- Understand Ikhfā concealment — Learn partial hiding with 15 letters
- Master Ghunna nasalization — Perfect nasal sound production and timing
- Review all Noon Sakinah rules — Ensure comprehensive understanding
- Check common mistakes — Avoid common pronunciation errors
Note: Master Idgham rules first, then study each other rule in detail. Understanding Idgham is essential for proper pronunciation and affects the flow and beauty of Quranic recitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Idgham means merging Noon Sakinah and Tanween into the following letter. The noon disappears and its sound merges into the next letter, which is pronounced doubled (like shaddah). Two types: with ghunnah (ي ن م و) and without ghunnah (ر ل).
The six Idgham letters are: ي ن م و ر ل. These are divided into two categories: with ghunnah (ي ن م و) where we hold nasal sound for 2 counts, and without ghunnah (ر ل) where we merge cleanly without nasal hold.
For Idgham: see a Noon Sakinah or Tanween, look at the very next pronounced letter, if it's one of ي ن م و ر ل, apply Idgham. Merge the /n/ into the following letter, pronounce it doubled, with ghunnah for ي ن م و (2 counts) or without ghunnah for ر ل.
Idgham with ghunnah (ي ن م و): merge with nasal hold for 2 counts. Idgham without ghunnah (ر ل): merge without nasal hold. The key difference is the nasal quality and duration - with ghunnah has nasal hum, without ghunnah is clean and clear.
The Idgham letters have articulation points that are close to or similar to the /n/ sound (alveolar ridge). This phonetic similarity makes merging natural and smooth. ي ن م و have nasal qualities (hence ghunnah), while ر ل are produced at the same place as /n/ but without nasal quality.
Common mistakes include: not merging properly (pronouncing both letters separately), missing ghunnah in Idgham with ghunnah, adding ghunnah to Idgham without ghunnah, incorrect doubling, confusing Idgham with other rules, and inconsistent ghunnah duration. Fix these by practicing proper merging, using metronome for ghunnah timing, and memorizing the six Idgham letters.
Ready to Master Idgham Rules with Expert Guidance?
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