The assimilation of two letters | Free Tajweed Course

Introduction

In the rich tapestry of the Arabic language, the term ‘assimilation’ or ‘idgham’ metaphorically captures the essence of one entity merging seamlessly into another.

Within the realm of Tajweed, this signifies the blend of the first letter into the subsequent one. It’s a harmonious convergence where one letter gracefully disappears, enriching the sound of the following.

Three primary forms of al-idgham manifest:

1. Al-Idgham Al-Mutamathilayn (The Identicals): two letters share both the same point of articulation and characteristics, like ت mirrors ت.
2. Al-Idgham Al-Mutajanissayn (The Assimilates): pairs have the same origin of sound but distinct attributes, such as ت and ط.
3. Al-Idgham Al-Mutaqaribayn (The Proximates): letters with closely related articulation points and similar attributes, such as س and د or ق and ك.

Moreover, idgham appears in two major variations:

• Al-Idgham Al-Kabeer (The Grand Assimilation): a prominent merging of sounds.
• Al-Idgham As-Sagheer (The Subtle Assimilation): a gentle blend that’s less pronounced.

Understanding idgham enhances the precision and beauty of Tajweed.

1. Al-Idgham Al-Kabeer: The Grand Assimilation

Applied to Al-Mutamathilayn, Al-Mutajanissayn, and Al-Mutaqaribayn when the initial letter is accentuated with a vowel mark.

وَإِذَا النُّفُوسُ زُوِّجَتْ

And when the souls are paired (81:7)

The letter س melds into the letter ز. This reading style is distinctive to Abi Amroo and Ya‘qub, while Asim and Nafi require the first letter to have a sukoon for assimilation.

2. Al-Idgham As-Sagheer: The Subtle Assimilation

Invoked when letters from the categories of mutamathilayn, mutajanissayn, and mutaqaribayn meet, and the first letter has a sukoon.

Categories:

1. Compulsory: mandatory assimilation.
2. Permissible: optional assimilation.
3. Forbidden: when assimilation must not occur.

The permissible idgham varies across recitation styles.

A. Al-Idgham Al-Wajib: The Mandatory Assimilation

Examples:

كَلَّا ۖ بَل لَّا تُكْرِمُونَ الْيَتِيمَ

No! But you do not honour the orphan (89:17)

فَإِن كَذَّبُوكَ فَقُل رَّبُّكُمْ ذُو رَحْمَةٍ

So if they deny you, say, “Your Lord is the possessor of vast mercy.” (6:147)

B. Al-Idgham Al-Mamnoo: The Prohibited Assimilation

Certain exceptions disallow any merger, such as when letters of prolongation (madd) are involved.

Letters of Madd (Prolongation)

When the first letter is one of the elongation letters, assimilation is forbidden.

تَعْرُجُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ إِلَيْهِ فِي يَوْمٍ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُ خَمْسِينَ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ

The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of fifty thousand years. (70:4)

قَالُوا وَهُمْ فِيهَا يَخْتَصِمُونَ

They will say while they dispute therein, (26:96)

When Lam (ل) Encounters Noon (ن)

Assimilation of Lam and Noon is prohibited except in the definite article ال.

قُلْ نَعَمْ وَأَنتُمْ دَاخِرُونَ

Say, “Yes, and you will be rendered contemptible.” (37:18)

When Lam (ل) Encounters Ta (ت)

فَالْتَقَمَهُ الْحُوتُ وَهُوَ مُلِيمٌ

Then the fish swallowed him while he was blameworthy. (37:142)

When a Throat-Origin Letter is Followed by a Neighboring Letter

Examples:

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَأَدْبَارَ السُّجُودِ

And [in part] of the night exalt Him and after prostration. (50:40)

3. Al-Idgham Al-Fard: The Essential Assimilation

In the Hafs recitation, Al-Idgham As-Sagheer is mandated in specific cases.

A. Assimilation of Twin Letters: Al-Idgham Al-Mutamathilayn

Occurs when two letters share the same articulation and characteristics.

أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُوا يُدْرِككُّمُ الْمَوْتُ

Wherever you may be, death will overtake you (4:78)

B. The Dual Assimilation: Al-Idgham Al-Mutajanisayn

Occurs between letters sharing similar articulation but differing slightly in characteristics.

وَلَا أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ

Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. (109:4)

C. Al-Idgham Al-Mutaqaribayn

Occurs when letters share proximate articulation points with distinct characteristics.

وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا

“My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (20:114)

Conclusion

Idgham embodies the elegance of sound blending in Quranic recitation. Mastery of its forms refines both pronunciation and comprehension of the divine text.