Huroof al-Muqatta’at are 14 special Arabic letters found at the start of 29 Surahs, pronounced individually with unique Tajweed rules. Categorized by elongation patterns like Madd Lazim Harfi and Hayyun Tahur, these letters carry deep spiritual significance. While their true meaning is largely seen as a divine mystery, scholars suggest they may symbolize divine names, act as oaths, or challenge mankind’s linguistic ability. In the science of Tajweed, every letter has its right, and our duty is to give each letter its due for a correct recitation. Yet, when we arrive at the start of certain Surahs, we find unique letters that follow their own special set of rules, distinct from the rest of the text.These are the Huroof al-Muqatta’at. Reciting them correctly is a fundamental aspect of skilled and correct recitation. This article will serve as your practical guide, breaking down the specific Tajweed rules for each category of these special letters, ensuring your recitation is as precise as it is heartfelt.

What are the Huroof al-Muqatta’at?

Huroof Muqatta’at are unique combinations of letters that appear at the beginning of certain Surahs, and their recitation follows special rules.In other words, Huroof Muqatta’at are specific letters of the Arabic alphabet that appear at the beginning of 29 Surahs in the Holy Quran. These letters are recited individually, by their names, not by their phonetic sounds.

Huroof al-Muqatta’at Meaning

The name itself gives us a clue about the nature of these letters. Let’s break down what “Huroof al-Muqatta’at” translates to.The term “Huroof al-Muqatta’at” literally means “The Disjointed Letters” or “The Cut-off Letters.” This is because they are read separately, letter by letter.For example, “الم” is not read as a word (“alam”), but as the names of the individual letters: “Alif, Lām, Mīm.”This practice of spelling out the letters is unique to these specific instances in the Quran, setting them apart from the rest of the text.

How many Huroof Muqatta’at are in the Quran?

There are 14 unique letters that make up the Huroof al-Muqatta’at. These 14 letters appear in various combinations at the start of the Surahs.

The 14 Huroof al-Muqatta’at:

The 14 letters of Huroof al-Muqatta’at are: أ (Alif), ه (Hā), ح (Ḥā), ط (Ṭā), ي (Yā), ك (Kāf), ل (Lām), م (Mīm), ن (Nūn), س (Sīn), ع (ʿAyn), ص (Ṣād), ق (Qāf), ر (Rā).A mnemonic used by scholars to remember them is: “نص حكيم قاطع له سر” (Naṣṣ ḥakıˉm qaˉṭiʿ lahu sirr), meaning “A wise, conclusive text that holds a secret.”

How many Surahs begin with Huroof al-Muqatta’at?

There are 29 Surahs in the Quran that begin with the Huroof al-Muqatta’at.

Combinations of Huroof al-Muqatta’at

These 14 letters are grouped into 14 different combinations, ranging from a single letter to a combination of five. The most common combinations include الم (Alif Lām Mīm), طه (Ṭā Hā), and يس (Yā Sīn).

Surahs with Huroof al-Muqatta’at

Here is the complete list of the 29 Surahs and the letters they begin with:

1. Single Letter (3 Surahs)

• Surah Sad (38): ص (Ṣād)
• Surah Qaf (50): ق (Qāf)
• Surah Al-Qalam (68): ن (Nūn)

2. Two Letters (9 Surahs)

• Surah Taha (20): طه (Ṭā Hā)
• Surah An-Naml (27): طس (Ṭā Sīn)
• Surah Ya-Sin (36): يس (Yā Sīn)
• Surah Ghafir (40): حم (Ḥā Mīm)
• Surah Fussilat (41): حم (Ḥā Mīm)
• Surah Az-Zukhruf (43): حم (Ḥā Mīm)
• Surah Ad-Dukhan (44): حم (Ḥā Mīm)
• Surah Al-Jathiyah (45): حم (Ḥā Mīm)
• Surah Al-Ahqaf (46): حم (Ḥā Mīm)

3. Three Letters (13 Surahs)

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2): الم (Alif Lām Mīm)
• Surah Aal-Imran (3): الم (Alif Lām Mīm)
• Surah Al-A’raf (7): المص (Alif Lām Mīm Ṣād)
• Surah Yunus (10): الر (Alif Lām Rā)
• Surah Hud (11): الر (Alif Lām Rā)
• Surah Yusuf (12): الر (Alif Lām Rā)
• Surah Ibrahim (14): الر (Alif Lām Rā)
• Surah Al-Hijr (15): الر (Alif Lām Rā)
• Surah Maryam (19): كهيعص (Kāf Hā Yā ʿAyn Ṣād)
• Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26): طسم (Ṭā Sīn Mīm)
• Surah Al-Qasas (28): طسم (Ṭā Sīn Mīm)
• Surah Al-Ankabut (29): الم (Alif Lām Mīm)
• Surah Ar-Rum (30): الم (Alif Lām Mīm)
• Surah Luqman (31): الم (Alif Lām Mīm)
• Surah As-Sajdah (32): الم (Alif Lām Mīm)
• Surah Ash-Shura (42): حمعسق (Ḥā Mīm; ʿAyn Sīn Qāf)

4. Four Letters (2 Surahs)

• Surah Ar-Ra’d (13): المر (Alif Lām Mīm Rā)

5. Five Letters (2 Surahs):

• Surah Maryam (19): كهيعص (Kāf Hā Yā ʿAyn Ṣād)
• Surah Ash-Shura (42): حمعسق (Ḥā Mīm; ʿAyn Sīn Qāf)

Huroof al-Muqatta’at Tajweed

Reciting these letters is a fundamental aspect of Tajweed. It’s not about their meaning, which is known only to Allah, but about their correct pronunciation.The core principle for reciting the Huroof al-Muqatta’at is to pronounce the name of each letter, not its sound. For example, the letter ‘م’ is pronounced “Mīm,” not “ma,” “mi,” or “mu.”Learning to pronounce the letter names correctly is a crucial first step. For personalized guidance, consider exploring Quranica’s Learn Tajweed for beginners Course to build a strong foundation.

Categories of Huroof al-Muqatta’at Based on Tajweed Rules

To make learning easier, scholars have categorized these 14 letters based on the length (Madd) of their pronunciation.The letters are divided into three categories based on how their names are spelled out in Arabic and the resulting Tajweed rule.

Category 1: Madd Lazim Harfi (6 Counts)

This category includes letters whose names are spelled with three letters, with the middle letter being a letter of Madd (ا, و, ي). This rule is further divided into two sub-types.

1. Madd Lazim Harfi Muthaqqal 

This rule applies when the last letter of the spelled-out name is merged (Idgham) with the first letter of the next spelled-out name. The sound is held for 6 counts.The most famous example is in the “Lām” and “Mīm” of “Alif Lām Mīm.” The “m” sound at the end of “Lām” merges with the “m” sound at the beginning of “Mīm.”

“الٓمٓ” 

(Alif Lāāāāāām Mīīīīīīm) 

“Alif, Lam, Meem.” (Al-Baqarah: 1)

The connection between Lām and Mīm creates the “Muthaqqal” or heavy stretch, indicated by the Shaddah when written in Tajweed manuals.

2. Madd Lazim Harfi Mukhaffaf

This rule applies when the spelled-out letter name also has three letters with a Madd in the middle, but it is not followed by a letter it merges with. The sound is still held for 6 counts, but without the heavy stress of Idgham.An example is the letter “Qāf” when it stands alone.

“قٓۚ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ٱلْمَجِيدِ” 

(Qāāāāāāf. Wal-Qur’āni l-majīd) 

“Qaf. By the glorious Qur’an.” (Qaf: 1)

The stretch is long (6 counts) but “light” because the “f” sound at the end of “Qāf” is pronounced clearly without merging.

Category 2: The “Hayyun Tahur” Letters (2 Counts)

This category includes five letters whose names are spelled with only two letters, with the second being a letter of Madd. The mnemonic for this group is “حي طهر” (Ḥayyun Ṭahur).The letters are: ح (Ḥā), ي (Yā), ط (Ṭā), ه (Hā), ر (Rā). They are stretched for only 2 counts.An example is “Ṭā Hā.”

“طه” 

(Ṭā Hā) (Taha: 1)

Here, both “Ṭā” and “Hā” are stretched for two counts each, a much shorter duration than the letters in the Madd Lazim category.

Category 3: The Letter Alif (No Stretch)

The letter Alif (أ) stands alone in its category. Its name is spelled “Alif” with no Madd letter in the middle.Therefore, it has no stretch (no Madd). It is pronounced simply and quickly as “Alif.”An example is the “Alif” in “Alif Lām Mīm.”

“الٓمٓ” 

(Alif Lāāāāāām Mīīīīīīm) 

“Alif, Lam, Meem.” (Al-Baqarah: 1)

Notice that “Alif” is pronounced plainly, while “Lām” and “Mīm” are elongated according to their rules.Want to test your understanding of these categories? Practice identifying and reciting them with feedback through Quranica’s Tajweed test and practice sessions.

Scholars Opinion About The Meaning of The Huroof Al Muqatta’at And Its Purposes

No explicit explanation of Huroof al-Muqatta’at meanings was transmitted from the Prophet Muhammad.This absence of a direct prophetic statement led scholars to approach the matter from different perspectives, which can be broadly understood in two main views.

The First Opinion: A Divine Secret Known Only to Allah

Huroof al-Muqatta’at are a secret of Allah in the Quran. They are considered part of the mutashābihāt (the ambiguous verses) whose true meaning is known only to Him.This was the reported opinion of the first four Caliphs—Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and ‘Ali—as well as other great companions like Ibn Mas’ud. They considered these letters to be among the “concealed matters” not meant for interpretation.From a rational perspective, the wisdom is seen as a test of faith. To believe in them as they are is a source of reward, just like performing acts of worship like the Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, whose ultimate wisdom is not fully explained to us. It serves as a profound reminder to mankind that no matter how much knowledge we attain, some secrets will always remain with our Creator.

The Second Opinion: Seeking the Meanings and Wisdom

Another group of scholars believed that we should seek to understand the meanings and benefits behind these letters. Their reasoning is that Allah sent the Quran as a book of guidance and has encouraged us to ponder it deeply.

“أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ” 

“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?” (Muhammad: 24)

This encouragement to ponder, they argue, applies to the entire book. Within this school of thought, several specific interpretations have been proposed:

1. Representing Divine Names 

It was narrated from Ibn Abbas that each letter is an abbreviation for one of Allah’s beautiful names. For example, الم (Alif Lām Mīm) could mean “I am Allah, the All-Knowing” (أنا الله أعلم), and الر (Alif Lām Rā) could mean “I am Allah, I see” (أنا الله أرى).

2. A Divine Oath

Some scholars, also including Ibn Abbas, suggested that these letters are a form of oath by which Allah swears, due to their noble and foundational status as the building blocks of revelation.

3. Names of the Surahs or the Quran

Other opinions state that these letters might simply be names for the Surahs they introduce, or alternative names for the Quran itself.

4. A Challenge to Mankind (Tahaddi)

This is one of the most powerful and widely cited interpretations. It suggests the letters are a direct challenge to the Arabs at the time of revelation, who were masters of their language. The message is, “This Quran is composed of the very same letters you use in your most eloquent poetry, yet you cannot produce a single chapter like it.” This highlights the miraculous nature of the Quran and proves it could only come from a divine source. It was also suggested these unique openings served to capture the attention of those who tried to ignore or make noise during the Quran’s recitation, compelling them to listen.

Huroof Muqatta’at Benefits

One of the most significant benefits is that they are a test of sincere faith. Believing in these letters and accepting them as part of Allah’s divine word, even without fully grasping their meaning, is a beautiful act of submission and a testament to one’s Iman bil Ghaib—belief in the unseen.They also serve as a powerful lesson in humility. In a world where humans constantly seek to know everything, these letters stand at the opening of major Surahs as a reminder. They teach us that our knowledge is finite, and true wisdom begins with acknowledging the infinite and absolute knowledge of Allah.Furthermore, these letters are a divine invitation to ponder the Quran. Their unique nature sparks curiosity and encourages the reader to engage with the text on a deeper level. Finally, let us not forget the simplest and most profound benefit: the reward of recitation. The Prophet Muhammad taught us that we are rewarded for every single letter we recite from the Quran.

Begin Reciting Quran as it Was Revealed with Quranica

Understanding the Huroof al-Muqatta’at is a beautiful step on your Quranic journey. But it’s just the beginning. At Quranica, our instructors are not just teachers; they are native Arabic speakers and distinguished graduates of the prestigious Al-Azhar University. They hold Ijazah (the authority to teach the Quran) and possess years of experience in guiding non-Arabic speakers just like you.We offer a wide range of specialized programs, including hifz programs, courses to learn Quran recitation and learn Quran with tajweed, our prestigious online ijazah course, and the advanced Ten Qirat Course.Begin your transformative journey with the Quran today. Register for your free trial class now!

1. Explore our full range of courses.
2. Enroll in a Quranica course now!

Conclusion

Huroof al-Muqatta’at are unique combinations of 14 Arabic letters appearing at the start of 29 Surahs in the Quran. These “disjointed letters” are recited by their names, not phonetic sounds, with examples such as “الم” pronounced as “Alif, Lām, Mīm.”The letters are grouped into combinations ranging from single to five-letter sequences, with well-known examples like طه (Ṭā Hā) and يس (Yā Sīn). Scholars use the mnemonic “نص حكيم قاطع له سر” to remember the 14 letters.Tajweed rules for these letters emphasize precise elongation (Madd) when pronouncing them. They are categorized into Madd Lazim Harfi (6 counts), Hayyun Tahur (2 counts), and Alif (no stretch), depending on their structure.Scholars differ on the meaning of these letters: some consider them divine secrets known only to Allah, while others see them as challenges to mankind, abbreviations for divine names, or attention-grabbing elements of Surahs.The letters offer spiritual benefits, including rewards for recitation, reminders of human humility, and inspiration for deep reflection. Quranica offers specialized Tajweed and Quran courses to help learners master these unique aspects of recitation.