When it comes to reciting the Holy Quran, understanding and applying the rules of Noon Saakin and Tanween are of utmost importance. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the definitions of Noon Saakin and Tanween, differentiate between the two, and explore why knowing and implementing these rules are essential for correct Quranic recitation.

The Significance of Knowing and Applying the Rules of Noon Saakin and Tanween

To recite the Quran with precision and in accordance with the principles of tajweed, a thorough understanding of the rules of Noon Saakin and Tanween is crucial. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The one who is proficient with the Qur’an will be with the noble and righteous scribes (the angels), and the one who reads it and stumbles over it, finding it difficult, will have two rewards” (Ibn Majah). Therefore, reciting the Quran correctly is not only fulfilling a religious duty but also a means of attaining spiritual rewards.

Ibn Al-Jazari, in his renowned poem on the rules of Tajweed, emphasized the obligatory nature of applying Tajweed, stating that those who do not recite the Quran correctly are committing a sin. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the revelation of the Quran with Tajweed, and knowledgeable scholars have preserved this recitation style, passing it down throughout the generations.Tajweed not only ensures accuracy in recitation but also enhances the beauty and eloquence of the Quran.

Defining Noon Saakin and Tanween

What is Noon Sakinah?

Noon Saakin refers to a Noon (ن) with a Sukoon (a diacritic indicating the absence of a vowel) on it. This Noon Saakin can occur in the middle or at the end of any word.

Noon Saakin examples: 

What is Tanween?

Tanween, on the other hand, refers to the change brought about by adding an “n” sound to the end of a word in specific circumstances. Tanween indicates double Fatha (Nasb), double Kasra (Jar), or Dhamma (Raf). If Tanween connects to the next letter, you pronounce it; if there is a pause on Tanween, you do not pronounce it.

Example of Tanween:

Differentiating Between Noon Saakin and Tanween

Noon Saakin and Tanween are distinct but related concepts in Quranic recitation. While Noon Saakin refers to a Noon letter with a Sukoon, Tanween represents the addition of an “n” sound at the end of a word. Noon Saakin can occur within a word, while Tanween appears at the end.

Unveiling the Four Key Rules of Noon Saakin and Tanween

1. Izhar rule( Izhar Halqi)

Linguistic definition:Clear or obvious

Applied definition:Pronouncing every letter from it’s articulation point without a ghunnah on the clear letter.

The word “Izhar” means in the dictionary to explain something or to make something clear. If one of the throat letters we call “Huroof Halaqiyya” comes after Noon Sakinah or Tanween, we are talking about Izhar here.

When we pronounce the letter N clearly, we apply the Izhar rule. The Huroof Halaqiyya are: (ء – هـ – ع – ح – غ – خ)

Izhar Examples:

2-Idghaam rule

Linguistic definition:Insertion, Merging

Applied definition: The meeting of non-voweled letter with a voweled letter, so that the two letters become one emphasized letter of the second type.The Noon Saakinah or Tanween comes at the end of a word and is followed by any of the 6 letters in the next word.

It’s letter: يرملون ( ي-ر-م-ل-و-ن)

Idghaam is divided into Two groups

1)Idghaam with Ghunnah

Its is called adding one letter to another letter. If one of the letters (ي – م – ن – و)  comes after Tanween or Noon Sakinah, it becomes Idghaam with Ghunna (nasal sound) for 2 counts.

*Complete Idgam with Gunnah:

The Ghunnah of the Noon Sakin is not pronounced. The Ghunnah pronounced is the Ghunnah of the following Noon or Meem. There is a Shaddah above the Noon& Meem

*Incomplete Idgam with Guhhah:

The Ghunnah of the Noon Sakin is pronounced. There is no Shaddah above Woow& Yaa

*Izhar mutlaq:

“Showing Absolutely”, so basically, totally pure and perfect pronunciation of the noon letter. This tajweed rule applies for those times when a noon saakinah is followed by one of the Idgam letters, but within one word.

2)Idghaam without Ghunnah:

When the letters( ل،ر) come after Tanween or Noon Saakin, Idghaam occurs without Ghunna. These letters should be pronounced without elongation, passing over them quickly. This is called complete Idgham as the Ghunnah of the Noon Saakinah is not pronounced. There is a Shaddah above the Laam& Raa.

3-Iqlab rule:

Linguistic definition: Convert or change

Applied definition: The changing of the Noon Sakinaah or the Tanween into a Meem, when followed by Baa (ب) with the observance of the Ghunnah, and hiding of the Meem.

It’s letter: Only letter Baa (ب)

Method of pronunciation:

1-Changing the Noon Sakinaah or the Tanween into a Meem.

2-Hiding the Meem.

3-Observing the Ghunnah while hiding the Meem.

4-Ikhfaa rule:

Linguistic definition: Hiding, concealment

Applied definition: The pronunciation of a non-voweled letter is stripped of any Shaddah; it is characterized somewhere between an Izhar and Idghaam, with a ghunnah remaining on the first letter.

Method of pronunciation:If one of the Ikhfaa letters follows a noon Saakinah in the same word, or between two words, or follows a Tanween at the beginning of the next word( and the Tanween can only be found at the end of a word) , then the moon sound is hidden. This is called  “إخفاء حقيقيًا”

In conclusion, mastering the rules of Noon Saakin and Tanween is essential for a profound connection with the Holy Quran. By understanding and applying the rules of Izhar, Idghaam, Iqlab, and Ikhfaa, individuals can recite the Quran correctly and in accordance with the principles of tajweed, thus fulfilling a religious