Meem Sakinah is the letter م carrying a sukoon: مْ. When Meem has a vowel, it follows normal pronunciation. But when it carries a sukoon, it follows specific rules depending on the letter that comes after it.
The rules of Meem Sakinah are called Shafawi rules because they are connected to the lips, which are the articulation point of the letter Meem.
This article focuses only on the three rules of Meem Sakinah: Idgham Shafawi, Ikhfa Shafawi and Izhar Shafawi. To understand nasalization in general, read: Ghunnah in Tajweed.
What is Meem Sakinah?
Meem Sakinah is a Meem without a vowel. It is written with sukoon: مْ. Its pronunciation changes according to the letter that follows it.
There are three main cases:
- if Meem Sakinah is followed by another Meem: Idgham Shafawi;
- if Meem Sakinah is followed by the letter Ba: Ikhfa Shafawi;
- if Meem Sakinah is followed by another letter: Izhar Shafawi.
Summary table of Meem Sakinah rules
| Rule | Arabic name | Following letter | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assimilation of Meem | إدغام شفوي | م | Merging with Ghunnah |
| Hiding of Meem | إخفاء شفوي | ب | Hidden Meem with Ghunnah |
| Clear pronunciation | إظهار شفوي | All other letters | Meem pronounced clearly |
1. Idgham Shafawi — assimilation of Meem
Idgham Shafawi occurs when Meem Sakinah مْ is followed by another Meem م with a vowel.
In this case, the two Meem letters merge into one strengthened Meem carrying a shaddah. The reciter must pronounce a Ghunnah.
Audio examples of Idgham Shafawi
| Quran excerpt | Surah / verse |
|---|---|
| عَلَيْهِم مُّؤْصَدَةٌ |
104/8 |
| أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍ |
106/4 |
2. Ikhfa Shafawi — hiding of Meem
Ikhfa Shafawi occurs when Meem Sakinah مْ is followed by the letter Ba ب.
In this case, Meem is not pronounced completely clearly. It is hidden with Ghunnah. The lips should come close together without a strong closure.
Audio examples of Ikhfa Shafawi
| Quran excerpt | Surah / verse |
|---|---|
| تَرْمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍ |
105/4 |
| عَلَيْهِم بِمُصَيْطِرٍ |
88/22 |
3. Izhar Shafawi — clear pronunciation of Meem
Izhar Shafawi occurs when Meem Sakinah is followed by any letter other than م and ب.
In this case, Meem is pronounced clearly. There is no assimilation and no hiding. The Ghunnah should not be prolonged as in the previous two rules.
Audio examples of Izhar Shafawi
| Quran excerpt | Surah / verse |
|---|---|
| رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّاتُ |
98/8 |
| عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ |
98/8 |
Common mistakes with Meem Sakinah
- Confusing Idgham Shafawi and Ikhfa Shafawi.
- Closing the lips too strongly in Ikhfa Shafawi.
- Omitting Ghunnah in Idgham Shafawi.
- Adding a prolonged Ghunnah in Izhar Shafawi.
- Reading too quickly without identifying the next letter.
- Learning the theory without applying it orally.
How to learn Meem Sakinah rules
First, identify Meem with sukoon. Then observe the following letter. Finally, apply the correct rule according to the case.
- Find مْ in a verse;
- identify the next letter;
- choose the corresponding rule;
- listen to an audio example;
- repeat slowly;
- recite to a teacher.
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FAQ — Meem Sakinah
What is Meem Sakinah?
Meem Sakinah is the letter Meem carrying a sukoon: مْ.
How many rules does Meem Sakinah have?
There are three rules: Idgham Shafawi, Ikhfa Shafawi and Izhar Shafawi.
When do we apply Ikhfa Shafawi?
When Meem Sakinah is followed by the letter Ba ب.
Conclusion
The rules of Meem Sakinah are important foundations of Tajweed. They teach the student how to recite مْ according to the letter that follows it.
By distinguishing Idgham Shafawi, Ikhfa Shafawi and Izhar Shafawi, the student improves Quran recitation and avoids frequent mistakes.
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