Lip letters in Tajweed-Meem (م), Baa (ب), Waw (و), and Faa (ف)-are articulated using the lips and are generally easy to pronounce but require proper Tajweed for correct recitation. Each has unique traits: Meem involves ghunnah, Baa may have qalqalah, Waw can be leen or madd, and Faa is marked by hams (breathiness). Lips (Ash-Shafatayn) are one of the five primary articulation points (Makharij) in Tajweed. They produce four simple letters that are easier to pronounce compared to deeper throat or tongue letters. Lips letters already exist in your native language, as they’re easier to pronounce correctly. You will need to focus on proper articulation and Tajweed rules without added difficulty. Here is a guide through each of these letters, how to pronounce them accurately from their articulation point, and how to apply essential Tajweed rules for proper recitation.

Lip Letters Tajweed

Lip letters are letters produced mainly through the movement of the lips, which is why they are called ‘Huruf Shafawiyyah’ in Arabic. Four letters come from the lips: (ب، م، و، ف.). Let’s go through them one by one to learn how to pronounce each letter correctly with proper Tajweed.

1. Letter Baa’ (باء):

The letter Baa’ is articulated by the inner surfaces of both lips coming together firmly, then separating quickly. This release creates a slight bouncing sound, known as Qalqalah, especially when the letter is in a state of sukoon. Baa’ is a voiced (مجهور) and plosive (شديد) letter, meaning the vocal cords vibrate and the airflow is briefly stopped before being released. Although it’s a strong-sounding letter, it is always light (muraqqaq)-never pronounced with heaviness or depth. So, special care should be taken not to apply any tafkheem (heaviness) when pronouncing it. Example: See Surah Al Masad in the following table, check letter (ب)

2. Letter Meem (ميم):

Meem (م) is articulated from the same point of articulation as Letter Baa`(ب), contact of two lips but less firmly, along with the nasal cavity (known as al-khayshoom in Arabic). The Khayshoom is responsible for Gunnah. Ghunnah is an essential characteristic of the letter Meem (م); it cannot be pronounced without it, even when light. The Meem Saakinah has a specific rule known as the Meem Saakinah Rule. It is important to note that Meem is a light (non-emphatic) letter and should not be pronounced with heaviness, especially when preceded by a heavy letter. Such as,

3. Letter Waw(واو ):

Waw(و) is articulated by rounding the lips, as if you are kissing your baby. The letter Waw is pronounced with vocal cord vibration and a smooth, flowing sound. The tongue stays low and the mouth remains open. When Waw has sukoon and is preceded by a fathah, it becomes soft and easy to pronounce (Leen letter). If it were a Madd Waw, which appears sakinah and after a letter with Dammah (ُ), it would be articulated from the space in the mouth and throat (Al-Jawf). See the following examples:

4. Letter Faa’ (فاء):

The Faa’ (ف) Letter is a unique lip letter since you do not use both lips. It is produced by gently touching the inner bottom lip to the edges of the upper front teeth(incisors), leaving a small space for air to pass. One of the most prominent characteristics of the letter Faa’ is Hams (whispering). To achieve this feature, you must let the air flow freely. Practice pronouncing the following words:

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Conclusion:

Mastering the lip letters of tajweed is an essential and beginner-friendly step in your Quranic journey. Though easy to pronounce, they still require attention to detail, especially in terms of voice, nasal sounds, and airflow. The lip letters in Tajweed (Huruf Ash-Shafawiyyah) are four: Meem (م), Baa (ب), Waw (و), and Faa (ف). Meem and Baa are produced by bringing both lips together. Waw is articulated by rounding the lips, while Faa is uniquely pronounced by touching the bottom lip to the edges of the upper front teeth. Each of these letters has its own Tajweed rules: Meem carries the sound of ghunnah (nasal resonance), Baa may involve qalqalah when sakin, Waw can function as a soft (leen) or elongation (madd) letter, and Faa is characterized by a breathy sound known as hams.