This rule, known as “Al Idhar Ash-Shafawee,” comes into play when the Meem As Sakeena is followed by any of the other 12 letters in the Arabic alphabet, which are as follows:

ا – ت – ث – ج – ح – خ – د – ذ – ر – ز – س – ش – ص ض – ط – ظ – ع – غ – ف – ق – ك – ل – ن – ه – و – ي

Technically, when the Meem As Sakeena is followed by any of these 12 letters, it is pronounced normally and distinctly without a 2-beat ghunna. The ghunna, in this case, is reduced or partial, and the following letter is pronounced with clarity.

This reduction in the ghunna occurs because the Meem As Sakeena and the remaining 12 letters share the same exit point or “makhradj.” This shared point of articulation allows for a smoother transition between the letters, resulting in a natural ghunna of 1 time.

Examples:

لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ

He neither begets nor is born (112:3)

وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ ﴿٥﴾ لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ 

Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion, and for me, is my religion.” (109-5 and 6)

Important Note: The strength of the clarification (Al Idhar) becomes more pronounced when the Meem As Sakeena is followed by the letters “waw” (و) and “fa” (ف). This is because both “waw” and “fa” share the same exit point, which is also the lips, making it easier for the reader to inadvertently conceal the letter “meem.”

As a result, when encountering the combination of Meem As Sakeena followed by “waw” (و) or “fa” (ف), special care should be taken to pronounce the Meem As Sakeena more distinctly. This emphasis helps avoid any accidental application of “ikhfa” (concealment).

Example:

تَلْفَحُ وُجُوهَهُمُ النَّارُ وَهُمْ فِيهَا كَالِحُونَ

The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles. (23:104)

صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray. (1:7)