One of the most detailed areas in Tajweed is the concept of Idgham and its levels of merging. Among the key distinctions are Idgham Taam (Complete Merging) and Idgham Naqis (Incomplete Merging), which explain how Noon Saakinah or Tanween blend into certain letters.
These rules impact both pronunciation and the beauty of Quranic recitation. In this article, we break down each type with definitions, examples from the Quran, and the exceptional rule of Izhar Mutlaq—a vital exception that every student of Tajweed should know.
As we deepen our study, we find that the merging of Idgham isn’t always the same. Based on how completely the first letter assimilates into the second, we can classify Idgham with Ghunnah and without Ghunnah into two levels: Complete Merging (Kamil or Taam) and Incomplete Merging (Naqis).
What is Idgham Taam (Complete Merging)?
Idgham Kamil (إدغام كامل) is the complete assimilation of the Noon Saakinah or Tanween into the next letter.
The first letter disappears entirely, both in its form and its primary attribute (the Ghunnah). The merging is so total that the second letter is simply pronounced with a shaddah.
This complete merging occurs with four of the six Idgham letters: ل (Laam), ر (Raa), ن (Noon), and م (Meem).
When Noon Saakinah merges into another Noon or a Meem, the Ghunnah you hear is actually the Ghunnah of the second letter (the Noon or Meem that now has a shaddah), not the original Noon Saakinah.
Examples of Idgham Kamil in the Quran
“مِّن لَّدُنْهُ”
Mil-ladunhu
“…from Himself…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:40)
Here, the tongue moves directly to the articulation point of the Laam, pronouncing it with a shaddah, completely bypassing the sound of the Noon.
“لَن نَّصْبِرَ“
Lan-nasbira
“…We will never be patient…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:61)
The first Noon is absorbed into the second, creating a single, stressed Noon (نّ) which is then held with a clear Ghunnah for two counts.
What is Idgham Naqis (Incomplete Merging)?
Idgham Naqis (إدغام ناقص) is an incomplete assimilation. In this case, the body of the Noon Saakinah or Tanween merges into the next letter, but its main attribute—the Ghunnah—remains.
You can still hear the nasal sound of the original Noon Saakinah even as you pronounce the next letter.
This beautiful, nuanced merging only happens with two of the Idgham letters: و (Waw) and ي (Yaa).
Examples of Idgham Naqis in the Quran
“مِن وَاقٍ”
(Miw-waaqin),
“…any protector…” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:34)
Notice here how the Noon sound itself disappears into the Waw, but its nasal quality (the Ghunnah) is held for about two counts, creating the distinct sound of an incomplete merge.
“مَن يَقُولُ”
(May-yaqoolu)
“…those who say…”
In this example, the tongue moves to the articulation point of the Yaa, but the sound of the Ghunnah from the original Noon is what you hear, beautifully coloring the pronunciation of the Yaa.
Izhar Mutlaq (Absolute Clarity) is The Exception to Idgham
There is a critical exception to the Idgham rule. If a Noon Saakinah (نْ) is followed by one of the Idgham letters within the same word, Idgham does not occur.
Instead, the Noon is pronounced clearly. This is called Izhar Mutlaq (الإظهار المطلق) or “Absolute Clarity.”
This rule exists in the Quran in four specific words:
- دُنْيَا (Dunya)
- صِنْوَانٌ (Sinwan)
- قِنْوَانٌ (Qinwan)
- بُنْيَانٌ (Bunyan)
If we were to apply Idgham here (e.g., “Duyya” instead of “Dunya”), the original meaning and structure of the word would be lost. Therefore, the clarity of the Noon sound is preserved.
Read also: Idgham with Ghunnah And Without Ghunnah With Examples
Learn Tajweed with Quranica
The rules of Tajweed, like Idgham, are the keys to unlocking the divine beauty of the Quran’s sound.
It is a trust (amanah) upon us to recite the words of Allah as they were revealed. Reading is good, but reciting correctly and beautifully is the goal.
At Quranica, we believe that every student deserves to learn from the best. Our instructors are not just tutors; they are inheritors of a sacred tradition.
- Learn Quran with Tajweed (for all levels)
- Quran Memorization (Hifz) Programs
- Ijazah Course
- Islamic Studies
- Ten Qirat
- Arabic Lessons for Beginners
Explore our full range of courses.
Join a Quranica course today!
Conclusion:
Mastering the difference between Idgham Kamil (Taam) and Idgham Naqis deepens your understanding of how letters interact in Quranic recitation. While some letters require full assimilation with a shaddah, others maintain the nasal quality of Ghunnah.
And when the merging occurs within the same word, Izhar Mutlaq reminds us of the precision required in Tajweed. At Quranica, we guide students through these advanced topics step-by-step, ensuring your recitation reflects both beauty and accuracy. Enroll today and elevate your connection with the Quran.
0 Comments