Noon Sakinah and Tanween Rulings

Tajweed is crucial for proper Quran recitation, focusing on pronunciation and comprehension. Among the key rules are those governing the Noon Sakinah and Tanween. These rules ensure clear and accurate recitation.

What are Noon Sakinah and Tanween?

Silent Noon:
The Noon Sakinah (ن) has no vowel (damma, kasra, or fatha) and remains consistent in both pronunciation and writing. It appears in the middle or at the end of words.

Tanween:
Tanween is an additional noon Sakinah that attaches to the end of nouns during pronunciation but not in writing. It follows one of three vowels: fatha, damma, or kasra.

The Four Rules for Silent Nun and Tanween

  • Izhar (Clear Pronunciation)
    Izhar requires pronouncing the silent noon or tanween clearly, without nasalization. This rule applies when the silent noon or tanween is followed by one of these six letters: Alif (ا), Ha (ه), Ain (ع), Ghain (غ), Ha (ح), or Kha (خ).

    • Examples:
      • “Whoever believes” (Surat Al-Baqarah: 62) – The noon precedes an Alif, requiring clear pronunciation.
      • “An’amt” (Surat Al-Fatihah: 7) – The noon precedes an Ain, leading to clear pronunciation.
  • Assimilation (Merging)
    Assimilation merges the silent noon or tanween with the following letter, forming a doubled sound. This rule has two forms:

    • With Nasalization: Occurs when followed by Y (ي), N (ن), M (م), or W (و).
    • Without Nasalization: Occurs when followed by L (ل) or R (ر).

    Examples:

    • “Whoever does” (Surat An-Nisa: 74) – The noon merges with Ya, creating a nasalized sound.
    • “Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Surat An-Nisa: 106) – The tanween merges with Ra without nasalization.
  • Iqlab (Changing)
    Iqlab involves changing the silent noon or tanween to a Meem (م) when followed by Ba (ب), while keeping nasalization.

    • Examples:
      • “Anbi’hum” (Surat Al-Hijr: 49) – The noon changes to a Meem before Ba.
      • “Sami’un Basir” (Surat Ash-Shura: 11) – The tanween changes to a Meem before Ba.
  • Ikhfa (Concealment)
    Ikhfa is a sound between clear pronunciation (Izhar) and assimilation (Idgham). It occurs when the silent noon or tanween meets any of the following fifteen letters: ت, ث, ج, د, ذ, ز, س, ش, ص, ض, ط, ظ, ف, ق, ك.

    • Examples:
      • “From the fruits” (Surat Al-Baqarah: 266) – The noon is concealed before Tha.
      • “Alimun Akhbar” (Surat Al-Hujurat: 13) – The tanween is concealed before Kha.

These rules of silent noon and tanween play a vital role in Tajweed, ensuring the Quran is recited accurately and beautifully.