The Small Sin Above Sad in the Quran: Tajweed Rule Explained

Introduction

In this twentieth Tajweed lesson, we will study the specific case of the symbol of the letter س (Sin) placed above the letter ص (Sad).

The question is: should we read the letter س (Sin) or the letter ص (Sad)?

There are four occurrences in the Quran where a small letter س is written above or below the letter ص.

1. The Letter Sad Replaced in Recitation by the Letter Sin

In the two verses below, the letter ص (Sad) must be read as س (Sin). In other words, the letter ص is written but not pronounced.

A. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:245)

وَيَبْصُۜطُ

B. Surah Al-A‘raf (7:69)

بَصْۜطَةً

2. The Choice of Recitation

In the following two verses, the word may be recited either with the letter ص (Sad) or with the letter س (Sin). Both readings are recognized.

A. Surah At-Tur (52:37)

أَمْ هُمُ ٱلْمُصَۣيْطِرُونَ

B. Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:22)

بِمُصَيْطِرٍ

Conclusion

In this twentieth Tajweed lesson, we learned how to recite the four Quranic words that carry the sign س above or below the letter ص. These specific recitation rules should be carefully respected.

Insha’Allah, the next lesson will cover the prostrations performed during the recitation of certain verses of the Quran.