The rules of Meem in Tajweed—spanning Meem Mushaddadah and Meem Sakinah—are essential for precise Quranic recitation. Meem Mushaddadah requires a prolonged nasal sound called Ghunna, while Meem Sakinah follows three rules: Ikhfa (hiding with ب), Idgham (merging with م), and Izhar (clear pronunciation with other letters). Missteps often occur in nasalization timing and lip movement. 

One of the most common letters in the Quran is the letter Meem (م), and knowing how to say it correctly is an important part of Tajweed. The sound of this letter depends only on its state and the letter that comes after it.

This guide explains the most important rules that apply to the Meem Sakinah (م) and the Meem Mushaddadah (مّ). 

If you learn them well, your recitation will go from just reading words to saying them with the beauty and accuracy they were meant to have.

Meem Sakinah and Meem Mushaddadah in Tajweed

When reciting the Quran, the letter Meem (م) appears in different states, but two forms carry specific Tajweed rules that are essential for every learner to master: Meem Sakinah (مْ) and Meem Mushaddadah (مّ).

A Meem Sakinah (مْ) is simply a Meem with a Sukoon (ـْـ) written on it, indicating it has no vowel. Its pronunciation is not fixed; it changes based on the specific Arabic letter that immediately follows it, leading to three distinct rules that form the core of this guide.

Meem Mushaddadah, on the other hand, is a Meem with a shaddah, indicating it should be stressed. This form has a single, vital rule related to Ghunna (nasalization) that gives the recitation its characteristic melodic sound.

Understanding the difference between these two and their corresponding rules is a foundational step toward reciting the Quran with the beauty and accuracy it deserves.

The Rule of Meem Mushaddadah (مّ)

As we just said, a Meem with a Shaddah (مّ) has its own mandatory rule that is vital for proper recitation. 

The rule is simple: whenever you encounter a Meem Mushaddadah (مّ) in the Quran, you must prolong the Ghunna for a duration of two counts.

“عَمَّ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ” 

‘Amma yatasa’aloon 

“About what are they asking one another?” 

The Meem in ‘Amma’ has a Shaddah, so it is held for two counts with a clear nasal sound (Ghunna).

What is Ghunna?

Ghunna is a unique nasal sound that emanates from the nasal passage (al-khayshum). Ghunna is an inherent, inseparable quality of the letters Meem (م) and Noon (ن).

How to Pronounce the Meem in Tajweed?

The letter Meem (م) has a clear articulation point, or makhraj. It is produced by completely closing the two lips, creating a sound that is both oral and nasal.

For beginners, mastering such foundational concepts is made easy in Quranica’s Learn Tajweed for Beginners Course.

The 3 Rules of Meem Sakinah in Tajweed

These three core rules govern the pronunciation of every Meem Sakinah in the Quran. Their application is mandatory for correct recitation.

When a Meem Sakinah (مْ) is followed by any letter of the Arabic alphabet, one of three specific Tajweed rules will apply: Ikhfa, Idgham, or Izhar.

1. Ikhfa Shafawi (Hiding the Meem)

Ikhfa Shafawi, or “lip-based hiding,” is the first rule. Ikhfa Shafawi involves a gentle transition between the Meem and the subsequent letter.

This rule occurs when Meem Sakinah is followed by one specific letter. It is pronounced by partially “hiding” the Meem sound while applying a light nasalization, or Ghunna. 

A. The Letter of Ikhfa Shafawi

The only letter that triggers the rule of Ikhfa Shafawi is the letter Baa (ب). When a مْ is followed by a ب, this rule must be applied.

B. Ikhfa Shafawi Examples in the Quran

“تَرْمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍ” 

Tarmihim bihijaratin 

“Striking them with stones of hard clay.” 

The Meem Sakinah in ‘Tarmihim’ is followed by the letter ‘ب’ in ‘bihijaratin’, so the Meem is pronounced with a light nasal sound (Ghunna) as the lips prepare for the Baa.

“وَكَلْبُهُم بَاسِطٌ” 

Wa kalbuhum basitun 

“While their dog stretched his forelegs.” 

Notice the Meem Sakinah in ‘kalbuhum’ is followed by ‘ب’ in ‘basitun’, requiring the application of Ikhfa Shafawi.

2. Idgham Shafawi (Merging the Meem)

Idgham Shafawi, or “lip-based merging,” is the second rule. Idgham Shafawi involves complete assimilation of the Meem Sakinah into the next letter.

This rule requires merging the Meem Sakinah (مْ) into the letter that follows it. The result is a single, stressed Meem sound pronounced with a full Ghunna.

A. Also known as Idgham Mithlayn Sagheer

This rule is also called Idgham Mithlayn Sagheer, which means “merging two similar letters.” This name is used because the rule only applies when a Meem Sakinah meets another voweled Meem (مَ, مِ, مُ).

B. Examples of Idgham Shafawi

“لَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ” 

Lakum ma kasabtum 

“For you is what you earned.”

The Meem Sakinah in ‘lakum’ merges into the voweled Meem of ‘ma’, and is pronounced as one stressed Meem with Ghunna.

“خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّن” 

Khalaqa lakum min 

“He created for you from…” 

Here, the Meem in ‘lakum’ is merged into the Meem in ‘min’, creating the Idgham Shafawi rule.

3. Izhar Shafawi (Clarifying the Meem)

Izhar Shafawi, or “lip-based clarity,” is the most frequently occurring rule for Meem Sakinah. It is also the most straightforward.

This rule requires the reciter to pronounce the Meem Sakinah (مْ) clearly and distinctly from its articulation point (the lips). 

There should be the most simple Ghunna and there should be no alteration to the sound. You can perfect your application of all three rules with Quranica’s Tajweed test and practice tools.

Read also about: Noon Sakinah Rules And Tanween With Examples

A. The Letters of Izhar Shafawi

This rule applies when Meem Sakinah is followed by any letter of the Arabic alphabet except for Baa (ب) and Meem (م). This includes the remaining 26 letters, such as ت, ث, ج, د, etc.

B. Examples of Izhar Shafawi in the Quran

“لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ”

Lam yalid wa lam yulad 

“He neither begets nor is born.” 

In ‘lam yalid’, the Meem is followed by ‘ya’, so the Meem is pronounced clearly without the clear nasalization.

“أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ” 

An’amta ‘alayhim 

“The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor.” 

The Meem Sakinah at the end of ‘alayhim’ is pronounced with clarity as it is the end of the recitation.

Common Mistakes in Applying Meem Rules in Tajweed

Learners can sometimes make subtle errors. Being aware of these common mistakes is the first step to avoiding them.

1. Applying Ghunna in Izhar Shafawi

A common error is adding a heavy nasal sound or “hum” to the Meem during Izhar Shafawi. This rule requires absolute clarity with a slightest nasal sound possible, so practice by firmly closing the lips for the Meem sound and then releasing it crisply.

2. Insufficient Ghunna in Ikhfa or Idgham

The opposite error is making the Ghunna in Ikhfa and Idgham too short. Remember to hold the nasalization for approximately two counts (the time it takes to say “one-two”) to give the rule its proper weight.

3. Changing the mouth shape too early for Ikhfa Shafawi

Some learners deform the Meem sound by preparing their lips for the following Baa (ب) too soon. 

The lips must close completely for the Meem first, and only then transition to the Baa. 

Ready to Perfect Your Recitation with Quranica?

Mastering the rules of Meem is a beautiful journey that connects you more deeply with the words of Allah. But theory is only half the battle.

True mastery comes from practice and guidance from those who have dedicated their lives to the Quran.

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Conclusion

The letter Meem (م) in Tajweed plays a vital role in accurate Quranic recitation, particularly in its two forms: Meem Sakinah (مْ) and Meem Mushaddadah (مّ). Each form comes with distinct rules that learners must master to recite the Quran correctly and beautifully.

Meem Mushaddadah follows a single rule: it must be pronounced with Ghunna—a nasal sound—extended for two counts. This sound originates from the nasal passage and adds a rich tone to the recitation.

Meem Sakinah has three rules based on the letter that comes after it: Ikhfa Shafawi (hiding with Baa), Idgham Shafawi (merging with another Meem), and Izhar Shafawi (clarifying before any other letter). Each rule shapes how the Meem is pronounced and how the lips and nose work together.

Learners often make mistakes such as adding excessive Ghunna where it doesn’t belong, or failing to elongate it where required. Precision in mouth positioning and timing is key to proper application.