Understanding the types of Idgham is essential for mastering Tajweed and reciting the Quran correctly. In Tajweed, Idgham refers to the merging of a Noon Saakinah (نْ) or Tanween (ــًــٍــٌ) into the following letter. There are two main forms: Idgham with Ghunnah (nasal sound) and Idgham without Ghunnah (no nasalization). 

Each has specific letters and applications found throughout the Quran. In this guide, you’ll learn the differences between the two types of Idgham, the letters involved, and real Quranic examples that illustrate how to apply each rule properly in your recitation.

A Ghunnah is a sweet, nasal sound that you hold for a moment. Based on this, we have two distinct types of Idgham.

• Idgham with Ghunnah (الإدغام بغنة)
• Idgham without Ghunnah (الإدغام بغير غنة)

1. Idgham with Ghunnah

Idgham biGhunnah (إدغام بغنة) is the most common type of Idgham. Idgham bil-Ghunnah occurs when you merge the Noon Saakinah or Tanween into the following letter while holding a distinct nasal sound, or Ghunnah, for approximately two counts (the time it takes to say “one-two”).

Idgham with Ghunnah Letters

The letters for Idgham with Ghunnah are four of the six Idgham letters. They are collected in the mnemonic word يَنْمُو (Yanmu).

The four letters are:

• ي (Yaa)
• ن (Noon)
• م (Meem)
• و (Waw)

Examples of Idgham with Ghunnah in the Quran

Let’s see how this works in practice within the Holy Quran. Observing these examples is the key to training your eyes and ears to recognize the rule during recitation.

1. Example of Idgham biGhunnah with Yaa (ي):

When a Noon Saakinah or Tanween comes before the letter Yaa (ي), we merge the Noon sound into the Yaa. This is an “incomplete merging,” where the body of the Noon letter disappears but its nasal sound (Ghunnah) remains.

“فَمَن يَّعْمَلْ”

Famay-ya‘mal 

“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it.” (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7)

Notice here the Noon in فَمَنْ is not pronounced clearly as ‘n’. It flows directly into the يَـ, and you hold a nasal sound as you say ـيَّـ.

2. Example of Idgham biGhunnah with Waw (و):

Similarly, the letter Waw (و) also requires an incomplete merging with Ghunnah. The Noon sound is assimilated, but its Ghunnah is held for two counts, beautifying the transition between the two letters.

“مِن وَّالٍ”

Miw-waal 

“…And there is not for them besides Him any patron” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11)

The sound of the Noon in مِنْ merges into the وَ, but you can still hear the remnant of the Noon through the nasalization as you pronounce the stressed Waw (ـوَّ).

3. Example of Idgham biGhunnah with Meem (م):

When the letter Meem (م) follows a Noon Saakinah or Tanween, a complete merging occurs. The Noon sound is fully converted into a Meem, resulting in a single, stressed Meem with its inherent Ghunnah.

“صِرَاطَاً مُّسْتَقِيمًا”

Siraatam-mustaqeema 

“…a straight path.” (An-Nisa, 4:68)

The ‘an’ sound of the Tanween on صِرَاطًا disappears completely. It is replaced by a Meem sound that merges into the next word, creating ـمُّـ.

4. Example of Idgham biGhunnah with Noon (ن):

This is the most straightforward case of Idgham, where a Noon Saakinah merges into a voweled Noon. The two letters become one, pronounced with a shaddah and its natural Ghunnah, creating a smooth and emphatic sound.

“عَن نَّفْسٍ”

‘An-nafsin 

“…no soul will avail another soul at all…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:48)

The Noon of عَنْ and the Noon of نَفْسٍ become one single, stressed Noon (نّ). The sound flows seamlessly from one to the other with a clear Ghunnah.

Applying the correct timing for the Ghunnah requires a trained ear and consistent practice. You can check your progress and refine your pronunciation with tools like Quranica’s Tajweed test and practice.

2. Idgham without Ghunnah

Idgham without Ghunna (إدغام بغير غنة) is the second type and also known as “Complete Idgham”. 

Here, the Noon Saakinah or Tanween is completely assimilated into the following letter. Its sound disappears entirely, and there is absolutely no Ghunnah, or nasalization, held.

Idgham without Ghunnah Letters

This rule applies to the two remaining letters from the “Yarmaloon” group:

• ل (Laam)
• ر (Raa)

Examples of Idgham without Ghunnah in the Quran

Here are some examples of this complete merging from the Quran. Notice how the sound of the Noon Saakinah or Tanween vanishes completely, without leaving any trace of nasalization.

Example of Idgham without Ghunnah with Laam (ل):

When the Tanween is followed by the letter Laam (ل), the ‘n’ sound of the Tanween is completely bypassed. The tongue moves directly to the articulation point of the Laam, which is then pronounced with emphasis.

“هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ” 

Hudal-lilmuttaqeen 

“a guidance for those conscious of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2)

In this ayah, the tanween on the word “Hudan” merges entirely into the “Laam” of “lilmuttaqeen.” You do not pronounce “Hudan lin,” but rather go directly from “Huda” to a stressed “l” sound.

Example of Idgham without Ghunnah with Raa (ر):

This is one of the clearest examples of complete merging in the Quran. The Noon Saakinah before the letter Raa (ر) disappears so completely that it feels as if it was never there.

“مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ” 

Mir-Rabbihim 

“Those are upon guidance from their Lord…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:5)

Here, the Noon in “Min” is fully assimilated into the “Raa” of “Rabbihim.” Instead of saying “Min Rabbi,” the sound becomes a single, emphasized “R” sound, “Mir-Rabbi,” with no ghunnah whatsoever.

Distinguishing between the types of Idgham and perfecting their application is a more advanced skill. For students who want to master these nuances and truly refine their recitation, enrolling in Quranica’s Advanced Tajweed Course can provide the expert guidance needed.

Read also: Idgham Mutamathilayn, Mutajanisayn, And Mutaqaribayn With Examples In Tajweed

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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.

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Conclusion:

Knowing the difference between Idgham with Ghunnah and without Ghunnah is a key step in developing a strong foundation in Tajweed. Whether you’re merging with a nasal sound (like with the letters ي, ن, م, و) or performing a complete merge without nasalization (with ل and ر), practicing these rules ensures your recitation aligns with the way the Quran was revealed. 

At Quranica, we help students apply these Tajweed rules with clarity, confidence, and precision. Start your journey toward flawless recitation by enrolling in one of our Tajweed or Quran memorization courses today.