Noon Sakinah & Tanween Rules: Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, Ikhfa
The Most Common Tajweed Rules You’ll Ever Use
Every page of the Quran has نْ or tanween followed by another letter. Four rules govern what happens: Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, Ikhfa.
Rule 1: Izhar (الإظهار) — Clear Pronunciation
Letters (6): ء ه ع ح غ خ. Pronounce noon/tanween clearly, no nasalization. Example: مِنْ خَيْرٍ.
Rule 2: Idgham (الإدغام) — Merging
Letters (6): ي ر م ل و ن (يَرْمَلُونَ). Noon merges into next letter. With ghunnah (ي ن م و): مَنْ يَقُولُ. Without ghunnah (ل ر): مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ.
Rule 3: Iqlab (الإقلاب) — Conversion
Letter: ب only. Noon becomes meem with ghunnah. Example: مِنْ بَعْدِ (sounds “mim-ba’di”).
Rule 4: Ikhfa (الإخفاء) — Hiding
Letters (15): ت ث ج د ذ ز س ش ص ض ط ظ ف ق ك. Hidden with ghunnah (2 counts). Example: مِنْ شَرِّ.
Quick Reference Table
| Rule | Letters | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Izhar | 6 throat letters (ء ه ع ح غ خ) | Pronounced clear, no ghunnah |
| Idgham | 6 letters (ي ر م ل و ن) | Merged into the next letter, with or without ghunnah |
| Iqlab | ب only | Noon becomes meem with ghunnah |
| Ikhfa | 15 letters | Hidden with ghunnah (2 counts) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Iqlab exist?
A: Lips naturally close for ب — Iqlab formalizes it.
Q: Ghunnah length?
A: 2 counts (~1 second).
Q: Most common mistake?
A: Doing Izhar everywhere instead of Idgham.
