Mastering the recitation of the Quran begins with mastering the Arabic alphabet—not just its letters, but the precision of how each sound is produced.
Tajweed, the science of Quranic pronunciation, rests on two foundational pillars: Makharij al-Huruf (points of articulation) and Sifat al-Huruf (characteristics of letters). Together, they shape every sound, ensuring that each letter is recited with clarity, beauty, and reverence, just as it was revealed.
What is Makharij ul Huroof?
In the study of Tajweed, “makhraj” (plural: “makharij”) refers to the precise articulation point in the mouth or throat from which a letter’s sound originates. Mastering these points is what allows a reciter to distinguish clearly between similar-sounding letters, ensuring the meaning of the sacred text is preserved.
Every letter in the Arabic alphabet is produced from one of five main regions in the vocal tract. Think of these as the primary zones for sound production:
1. Al-Jauf (The Oral Cavity):
This is the empty space within the throat and mouth. It’s unique because it produces the elongated vowel sounds (Madd letters) rather than distinct consonants.
2. Al-Halq (The Throat):
This region is divided into three parts—the deepest, middle, and highest—and is the origin for six specific letters, including ‘ayn (ع) and ha (ح).
3. Al-Lisan (The Tongue):
The most versatile and complex articulator, the tongue is responsible for the majority of Arabic letters (18 in total), using its back, middle, sides, and tip to form sounds like ‘qaaf’ (ق), ‘laam’ (ل), and ‘daad’ (ض).
4. Ash-Shafataan (The Lips):
The lips are used to articulate four letters, including ‘ba’ (ب) and ‘meem’ (م), by bringing them together in various ways.
5. Al-Khaishoom (The Nasal Cavity):
This is the passage inside the nose, which is the source of the ghunnah, or nasalization, a characteristic sound essential for the letters ‘noon’ (ن) and ‘meem’ (م).
The Two Pillars of Arabic Alphabet Pronunciation with Tajweed
To perfect the pronunciation of any Arabic letter, your journey will revolve around two core pillars of Tajweed. The first is Makharij al-Huruf (the points of articulation), and the second is Sifat al-Huruf (the attributes of the letters).
The Makhraj tells you where in the mouth or throat a letter is formed, and the Sifat tell you how it should sound when it is produced.
What are the Points of Articulation for Arabic Letters with Tajweed?
The Makharij al-Huruf are the specific, precise points from which each Arabic letter originates.
Identifying and using the correct Makhraj is the very first step to producing a letter correctly.
To truly master these points, a structured approach is best, like the one we offer in Quranica’s Learn Tajweed for beginners Course, where our tutors guide you step-by-step.
Types of Tajweed Alphabet based on their Articulation Points
The Arabic alphabet Tajweed are organized into groups based on their point of articulation, or Makhraj.
These main areas are the Jawf, throat, the tongue, the lips, and the nasal passage.
1. The Empty Space Letters (Al-Huruf al-Jawfiyyah)
This articulation point, Al-Jawf, refers to the empty space extending from the chest up through the throat and mouth.
It is from this open passage that the three madd letters, or long vowels, are produced without any specific point of contact.
The sound of these letters vibrates freely in this space. They are:
- The Alif Saakinah (ا) preceded by a letter with a Fathah (as in قَالَ).
- The Waw Saakinah (و) preceded by a letter with a Dammah (as in يَقُولُ).
- The Yaa Saakinah (ي) preceded by a letter with a Kasrah (as in قِيلَ).
“مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ”
“Māliki yawmid-dīn”
“Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.” (Surah Al-Fatihah: 4)
In this verse, the long vowel sound in Māliki (ـَا) is an Alif Madd, originating from Al-Jawf. The long vowel in dīn (ـِي) is a Yaa Madd, also produced in this same empty space.
2. The Throat Tajweed Letters (Al-Huruf al-Halqiyyah)
These six letters, known as Al-Huruf al-Halqiyyah, are produced from three distinct regions of the throat.
From the deepest part of the throat (closest to the chest) come Hamzah (ء) and Haa (ه). The middle of the throat produces ‘Ayn (ع) and Haa (ح), while the highest part of the throat (closest to the mouth) gives us Ghayn (غ) and Kha (خ).
“رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ”
“Rabbil-‘ālamīn”
“The Lord of the worlds” (Surah Al-Fatihah: 2)
In this verse, the letter ‘Ayn (ع) is pronounced by constricting the middle of the throat, a sound very distinct from the Hamzah (ء).
Read more about: Throat letters in Tajweed
3. The Tongue Tajweed Letters (Al-Huruf al-Lisaniyyah)
This is the largest and most diverse family of letters, with the majority of the alphabet originating from different parts of the tongue.
These letters are formed when a part of the tongue—the deepest part, the middle, the sides, or the tip—touches a specific part of the mouth, such as the palate or the teeth.
For instance, Qaaf (ق) is a deep sound from the very back of the tongue, while Kaaf (ك) is produced slightly more forward.
“قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ”
“Qul huwa-Allāhu aḥad”
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One'” (Surah Al-Ikhlas: 1)
Here, the letter Qaaf (ق) is pronounced as an emphatic, deep sound by raising the back of the tongue to the soft palate.
“مِن شَرِّ ٱلْوَسْوَاسِ ٱلْخَنَّاسِ”
“Min sharril-waswāsil-khannās”
“From the evil of the retreating whisperer” (Surah An-Nas: 4)
This example shows the letter Sheen (ش), which is articulated by raising the middle of the tongue toward the hard palate, allowing the sound to spread.
Letters like Daad (ض), articulated using the side of the tongue, require special attention.
4. The Lip Tajweed Letters (Al-Huruf al-Shafawiyyah)
As their name suggests, these four letters are articulated primarily using the lips. Their points of articulation are clear and easy to observe, making them some of the first letters students master.
The letter Faa (ف) is made when the tips of the upper incisors touch the inner part of the lower lip. Waw (و) is formed by rounding the lips, while Baa (ب) and Meem (م) are produced by closing the lips together.
“بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ”
“Bismi-llāhi-r-raḥmāni-r-raḥīm”
“In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful” (Surah Al-Fatihah: 1)
The articulation of the letter Baa (ب) in “Bism” is achieved by firmly pressing the lips together and then releasing them.
5. The Nasal Passage Tajweed Letters (Al-Huruf al-Khayshumiyyah)
This final point of articulation, the Khayshum or nasal passage, is unique. It is not the origin of a specific letter but the source of a beautiful and essential sound in Tajweed known as Ghunnah.
Ghunnah is a resonant nasal sound that is an inseparable characteristic of the letters Noon (ن) and Meem (م) in certain situations, such as when they carry a Shaddah (ّ). This sound flows through the nose for a specific duration, adding a beautiful hum to the recitation.
“إِنَّآ أَعْطَيْنَٰكَ ٱلْكَوْثَرَ”
“Innā a’ṭaynākal-kawthar”
“Indeed, We have granted you al-Kawthar” (Surah Al-Kawthar: 1)
In the word “Innā,” you can clearly hear the sustained, nasal sound on the Noon (نّ).
The Characteristics of Letters in Tajweed – Sifat al-Huruf
Now we explore the second pillar, Sifat al-Huruf, which gives each letter its distinct texture and personality. It’s what makes each letter sound unique.
Sifat are the specific qualities and attributes of a letter that refine its sound, distinguishing it from others that might share the same point of articulation.
The Importance of Studying Sifat al-Huruf in Tajweed
Studying Sifat is just as vital as mastering the Makharij. These qualities are the soul of the letter, bringing your recitation to life with accuracy and beauty.
Sifat are crucial for differentiating between similar-sounding letters.
For example, both ‘س’ (Seen) and ‘ص’ (Saad) are whistling sounds from the same Makhraj, but their Sifat make them sound completely different.
Correctly applying Sifat prevents distortion of the divine words and is the key to mastering more Tajweed rules like Tafkhim (heaviness) and Tarqiq (lightness).
Tajweed Letter Characteristics with Opposites
Most of the Sifat come in pairs of opposites. Every letter in the alphabet will possess one quality from each pair, creating its unique phonetic profile.
1. Hams (Whisper) vs. Jahr (Audibility)
This pair deals with the flow of breath during pronunciation. Hams is a whispered quality with a clear continuation of breath, while Jahr is an audible quality with the breath stopped.
The ten letters of Hams are collected in the phrase “فَحَثَّهُ شَخْصٌ سَكَتْ”. The remaining nineteen letters all possess the opposite quality of Jahr.
“بِسْمِ”
“Bism”
“In the name.” (Surah Al-Fatihah: 1)
The letter ‘س’ (Seen) clearly demonstrates Hams, as you can feel a continuous whisper of air when you pronounce it.
2. Shiddah (Strength) vs. Rikhawa (Softness) and Tawassut (Moderation)
This group of characteristics deals with the flow of sound.
Shiddah means the sound is completely blocked, while Rikhawa means the sound flows freely.
Between these two opposites is a beautiful middle ground called Tawassut, where the sound is neither completely blocked nor completely free-flowing.
The letters of Shiddah (Strength) are “أجد قط بكت”.
The letters of Tawassut (Moderation) are “لِنْ عُمَرْ”.
All other letters have the quality of Rikhawa (Softness).
“ٱلۡحَمۡدُ”
“Al-hamdu”
“The praise.” (Surah Al-Fatihah: 2)
Notice the letter ‘ل’ (Laam). Its sound is not cut off abruptly nor does it flow excessively; it has the perfect moderation of Tawassut.
3. Isti’la (Elevation) vs. Istifal (Lowering)
This pair is fundamental to the “heaviness” or “lightness” of a letter. It describes the action of the back of the tongue during pronunciation.
Isti’la means the back of the tongue rises, filling the mouth with a heavy, full sound (Tafkhim). The seven letters of Isti’la are “خُصَّ ضَغْطٍ قِظْ”.
Istifal is the opposite, where the back of the tongue stays low, producing a light, thin sound (Tarqiq). All other letters have the quality of Istifal.
“ٱلصَّمَدُ”
“As-samad”
“The Eternal Refuge.” (Surah Al-Ikhlas: 2)
The letter ‘ص’ (Saad) is a heavy letter of Isti’la, creating a full-mouthed sound that is very different from its light counterpart, ‘س’ (Seen).
4. Itbaq (Adhesion) vs. Infitah (Separation)
Itbaq describes the tongue “adhering” to the palate, creating the heaviest sounds in Arabic.
The four letters of Itbaq are ص (Saad), ض (Daad), ط (Taw), and ظ (Dha). In these letters, the sound is trapped between the tongue and the palate.
Infitah (Separation) is found in all other letters, where there is a clear space between the tongue and the palate, allowing the sound to escape more freely.
“ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ”
“Ash-shaytaan”
“Satan.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 168)
The letter ‘ط’ (Taw) here has a profoundly heavy sound because the tongue is pressing firmly against the roof of the mouth.
Tajweed Alphabet Characteristics without Opposites
A few letters possess special, exclusive characteristics that do not have an opposite. These qualities are found only in specific letters and are essential for an authentic sound.
1. Qalqalah (Vibration/Echoing)
Qalqalah is a beautiful echoing or bouncing sound applied to five specific letters when they are Saakin (have a Sukoon on them).
The five letters of Qalqalah are ق (Qaaf), ط (Taw), ب (Ba), ج (Jeem), and د (Dal), collected in the phrase “قُطْبُ جَدٍ”.
“لَمْ يَلِدْ”
“Lam yalid”
“He neither begets.” (Surah Al-Ikhlas: 3)
The ‘د’ (Dal) at the end of the word is not silent but rather echoes with a distinct bouncing sound.
You can perfect your Qalqalah and other Sifat with our Quranica’s Tajweed test and practice sessions.
2. As-Safir (Whistling Sound)
As-Safir refers to a sharp, whistling sound that accompanies three specific letters. This quality makes their sound particularly sharp and clear.
This distinct whistling is found only in the letters س (Seen), ص (Saad), and ز (Zay).
“زُلْزِلَتِ”
“Zul’zilat”
“Is shaken.” (Surah Az-Zalzalah: 1)
The letter ‘ز’ (Zay) has a clear buzzing or whistling sound that is characteristic of Safir.
3. Al-Leen (Ease/Softness)
Al-Leen, meaning “the softness,” is a gentle and easy pronunciation of two specific letters under certain conditions.
It applies only to the letters و (Waw) and ي (Yaa) when they are Saakin and are preceded by a letter carrying a Fathah.
“خَوْفٍ”
“Khawf”
“Fear.” (Surah Quraysh: 4)
The “aw” sound is pronounced smoothly and softly, without any strain, embodying the quality of Leen.
4. Al-Inhiraf (Drifting)
This quality describes a slight drifting or deviation of the tongue as the letter is pronounced. The sound moves subtly from its primary point of origin.
This characteristic is found only in the letters ل (Laam) and ر (Raa).
“صِرَاطَ”
“Siraat”
“The path.” (Surah Al-Fatihah: 6)
While pronouncing the ‘ر’ (Raa), the tip of the tongue slightly drifts, giving the letter its unique sound path.
5. At-Takrir (Repetition)
At-Takrir is the natural light vibration or trill of the tongue tip. This quality belongs exclusively to the letter ر (Raa).
A key part of Tajweed is learning to control this Sifah, producing only a single, subtle vibration and avoiding any exaggerated rolling of the ‘ر’.
“ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ”
“Ar-Rahman”
“The Entirely Merciful.” (Surah Al-Fatihah: 3)
Notice the slight vibration of the tongue for the ‘ر’ (Raa); this natural trill must be perfectly controlled.
6. At-Tafash-shi (Spreading)
This unique characteristic describes the spreading of air and sound throughout the mouth when the letter is articulated, creating a full and distinct presence.
This beautiful, spreading sound is a quality found only in the letter ش (Sheen).
“مِنْ شَرِّ”
“Min sharri”
“From the evil.” (Surah Al-Falaq: 2)
The sound of the ‘ش’ (Sheen) spreads out and fills the mouth with a distinct rushing sound.
7. Al-Istitalah (Elongation)
This is a profound quality describing the elongation of the letter’s articulation point, not the timing of the sound itself.
Found only in the letter ض (Daad), the sound stretches along the side of the tongue, from the back to the front, giving it its famous deep and complex sound.
“وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ”
“Wa la-d-daalleen”
“Nor of those who go astray.” (Surah Al-Fatihah: 7)
The heavy sound of the ‘ض’ (Daad) perceptibly stretches along the side of the tongue, a unique quality of elongation.
A deep dive into these qualities is essential for fluency, which is covered extensively in Quranica’s Advanced Tajweed Course.
Begin Your Perfect Recitation Journey with Quranica
Learning the Arabic alphabet with its Tajweed is the first step towards a profound connection with the Quran. It transforms your recitation from mere reading into a beautiful act of worship that pleases Allah SWT.
At Quranica, we are dedicated to helping you achieve this perfection. Our teachers are not just tutors; they are mentors on your spiritual journey.
- Our instructors are native Arabs and distinguished graduates of the prestigious Al-Azhar University.
- They hold the sacred Ijazah, an unbroken chain of transmission that links them directly to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), authorizing them to teach the Quran.
- With years of experience, they specialize in teaching non-native speakers, understanding your unique challenges and goals.
Quranica offers a wide spectrum of programs to meet you where you are on your journey:
- Learn Quran with Tajweed (for all levels)
- Quran Memorization (Hifz) Programs
- Ijazah Courses
- Islamic Studies
- Ten Qirat
Explore our full range of courses.
Our courses include:
- Arabic-related courses: whether you are a beginner or mid-level. You can choose your level and start from it.
- Memorization (Hifz) Programs: Structured memorization plans that guide students through the Quran at their own pace, supported by experienced instructors.
- Tajweed Courses: Well-designed courses help Muslims to reach the right recitation of the Quran correctly.
- Islamic Studies Courses: These courses help you know more about Islam and Tafsir. This is important since you need to understand the Quran and reflect on your daily life.
Our teachers are carefully selected to be able to explain personalized programs that adapt to each student’s level and goals. They know how to teach a child or an adult, a beginner or an advanced learner. We provide the support you need to grow.
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Conclusion:
Perfecting the pronunciation of Arabic letters through Makharij and Sifat isn’t just a technical exercise—it’s a spiritual discipline that brings you closer to the divine message of the Quran.
By learning the unique articulation points and characteristics of each letter, you not only avoid common mistakes but also elevate your recitation to a level of ihsan (excellence).
At Quranica, we are honored to support your journey with expert teachers and structured courses that make Tajweed both accessible and transformative. Start today—and let every letter you recite bring you closer to Allah.
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