Makhraj in Tajweed refers to the exact articulation points from which Arabic letters are pronounced, forming the foundation of correct Quranic recitation. Scholars recognize 17 detailed makharij across 5 main regions: oral and throat cavity, throat, tongue, lips, and nasal cavity. Each region produces distinct letters, such as Madd letters from Al-Jawf and ghunnah sounds from the nasal cavity. To recite the Quran with beauty and accuracy, you must first have the blueprint for every letter. This blueprint is its Makhraj—the exact point in the throat or mouth where the letter is born. Understanding this map is the first and most critical step to moving from simply reading words to articulating the divine revelation correctly.

What is Makhraj in Tajweed?

In the science of Tajweed, a makhraj (plural: makharij) is the precise point of articulation in the mouth, throat, or nose from which a letter’s sound originates. Pinpointing this exact location is the key to distinguishing between similar-sounding letters like ‘س’ (Seen) and ‘ص’ (Saad).

Makharij al Huruf Meaning

The term Makharij al Huruf meaning is “the points of exit for the letters.” The word ‘Makharij’ (مخارج) is the plural of ‘Makhraj’ (مخرج), which means “place of exit,” and ‘al-Huruf’ (الحروف) means “the letters.”

The Importance of Makhraj in Tajweed?

Proper makhraj preserves the meaning of the Quranic words. A mistake in pronunciation, such as saying ‘kalb’ (كلب) with a ‘ك’ (Kaaf) instead of ‘qalb’ (قلب) with a ‘ق’ (Qaaf), changes the meaning from “heart” to “dog,” a significant and serious error.Mastering this foundation is the first step for any serious student. To build this crucial skill with expert guidance, many beginners find immense value in a structured program like Quranica’s Learn Tajweed for beginners Course.

How Many Makharij are There in Total?

The most widely accepted view, by Imam Ibn Al-Jazari, is that there are 17 specific (or detailed) makharij, which are grouped into 5 main (or general) points of articulation.Scholars have detailed the points of articulation with incredible precision. This gives us a clear map of the human vocal system.

The 5 Main Points of Articulation (General Makharij) in Tajweed

These five areas are the major regions in our vocal tract where all Arabic letters are formed. We will explore each one and the letters that emerge from them.

1. Makharij Al-Jawf
2. Makharij Al-Halq
3. Makharij Al-Lisan
4. Makharij Ash-Shafatan
5. Makharij Al-Khayshum

Think of these five areas as the “neighborhoods” where the letters live. From these general areas, the 17 specific articulation points, or “home addresses,” of each letter can be found.

1. Makharij Al-Jawf: The Oral and Throat Cavity

This area is the empty space that runs from your chest, through the throat, and out of the mouth. It is an estimated or “approximated” makhraj because it is a space, not a specific point of contact.The letters that come from Al-Jawf are known as Al-Huruf al-Maddiyyah, or the letters of elongation.

Madd letters makhraj

The sound of these letters flows through the empty space of the mouth and throat. This creates the prolonged vowel sounds in Arabic.The Madd letters makhraj is Al-Jawf, and they are:

1. Alif (ا) sakinah, preceded by a fatha.
2. Waw (و) sakinah, preceded by a dammah.
3. Yaa (ي) sakinah, preceded by a kasrah.

“قَالُوا يَا مُوسَىٰ” 

“Qaaloo yaa Moosaa”

“They said, ‘O Moses…'” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:121)

This example shows the Alif madd and Waw madd, all originating from the open space of Al-Jawf.

2. Makharij Al-Halq: The Throat

This articulation point is the region of the throat. It is divided into three distinct parts, each producing specific letters.The throat letters in Arabic are six letters that are known for their deep and sometimes guttural sounds, all originating from different levels of the throat.

1. Deepest part of the throat letters (Aqsa al-Halq)

This is the part of the throat furthest from the mouth and closest to the chest. The two letters pronounced from here require a deep articulation.The letters for the deepest part of the throat letters (Aqsa al-Halq) are Hamzah (ء) and Haa (ه).

“أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ” 

“Ahlal Kitaab” 

“People of the Scripture” (Surah Aal-i-Imran, 3:64)

In this phrase, you can feel the deep vibration of the Haa (ه) and the sharp stop of the Hamzah (ء) originating from the bottom of your throat.

2. Middle part of the throat letters (Wast al-Halq)

This is the central area of the throat, located around the epiglottis. The letters from here have a distinct, somewhat constricted sound.The letters for the middle part of the throat letters (Wast al-Halq) are ‘Ayn (ع) and Haa (ح).

“فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ” 

“Fasabbih bihamdi Rabbik” 

“Then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord” (Surah An-Nasr, 110:3)

Here, the smooth flowing sound of Haa (ح) is produced from the middle throat.

3. Closest part of the throat letters (Adna al-Halq)

This is the top part of the throat, nearest to the mouth, right at the root of the tongue. These letters are the least “throaty” of the Halq letters.The letters for the closest part of the throat letters (Adna al-Halq) are Ghayn (غ) and Khaa (خ).

“غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ” 

“Ghayril maghdoobi” 

“Not of those who have evoked [Your] anger” (Surah Al-Fatihah, 1:7)

This example demonstrates the gargling sound of Ghayn (غ), which is produced from the top of the throat.Feeling more confident? To see how well you’ve grasped these points of articulation, you can try our interactive Quranica’s Tajweed test and practice.

Makharij Al-Lisan: The Tongue

The tongue is the most active and complex articulator in human speech. It is responsible for the largest number of Arabic letters.

1. How many letters come from the tongue?

The tongue is a powerhouse of articulation, producing a wide variety of sounds. It has ten specific makharij.In response to how many letters come from the tongue? The answer is 18 letters are articulated from the tongue, making it the most significant point of articulation.

2. Deepest part of the tongue (Makhraj of Qaaf and Kaaf)

The very back of the tongue rises to touch the soft palate. This area produces two distinct letters, one with a heavy sound and one with a light sound.The Makhraj of Qaaf (ق) and Kaaf (ك) is the deepest part of the tongue. Qaaf (ق) is articulated from the furthest back portion against the soft palate, while Kaaf (ك) is slightly more forward.

“خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ” 

“Khalaqal insaan” 

“He created man” (Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:3)

Notice the deep, full-mouthed Qaaf (ق) in contrast to the lighter, airy sound of Kaaf (ك), both from the back of the tongue.

3. Middle of the tongue (Makhraj of Jeem, Sheen, Yaa)

This makhraj involves the center of the tongue rising to touch the hard palate above it. It produces three very common and distinct letters.The Makhraj of Jeem (ج), Sheen (ش), and Yaa (ي) (the non-madd version) is the middle of the tongue pressing against the hard palate.

“جَاءَ” 

“Jaa’a” 

“a thing came”

This showcases the sharp sound of Jeem (ج) articulated from the tongue’s center.

4. Side of the tongue (Makhraj of Daad and Laam)

This involves the side, or edge, of the tongue making contact with the upper molars. These two letters are unique in their articulation.The Makhraj of Daad (ض) and Laam (ل) comes from the side of the tongue. Daad (ض), arguably the most difficult letter, is produced when one or both sides of the tongue press against the upper molars. Laam (ل) is produced from the edge of the tongue up to the tip, touching the gums of the upper front teeth.

“وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ” 

“Wa lad-daaalleen”

“Nor of those who are astray.” (Surah Al-Fatihah, 1:7)

This is the most famous example for Daad (ض), where you can feel the side of the tongue pressing firmly against the molars.

5. Tip of the tongue (Makhraj of Noon, Raa, etc.)

The tip of the tongue is extremely versatile, producing the highest number of letters. It touches various parts of the upper gums and teeth.The tip of the tongue is the makhraj for 11 different letters, including Noon (ن), Raa (ر), Taa (ت), Daal (د), and Taw (ط), among others. The exact point of contact differs for each letter or group of letters.

“نَارٌ حَامِيَةٌ” 

“Naarun haamiyah” 

“A blazing Fire” (Surah Al-Qari’ah, 101:11)

In this example, you can feel the tip of your tongue tapping the gums for Noon (ن) and then vibrating slightly further back for the Raa (ر).

4. Makharij Ash-Shafatan: The Two Lips

This point of articulation is straightforward and involves the use of our lips. The letters produced here are some of the easiest to identify visually.The letters from Ash-Shafatan are formed either by bringing the two lips together or by using the lips in conjunction with the teeth.

Letters that come from the lips

There are four letters whose sounds depend entirely on the movement and contact of the lips.The letters that come from the lips are Faa (ف), Baa (ب), Meem (م), and Waw (و) (the non-madd version). Faa (ف) is made with the upper teeth touching the bottom lip, while Baa (ب), Meem (م), and Waw (و) are made by using both lips.

“بِسْمِ اللَّهِ” 

“Bismillaah” 

“In the name of Allah” (Surah Al-Fatihah, 1:1)

This familiar phrase uses Baa (ب) and Meem (م), where the lips close and then open to produce the sound.

5. Makharij Al-Khayshum: The Nasal Cavity

This is the final main point of articulation. It is a space, not a point of contact, and it adds a specific nasal quality to certain sounds.Al-Khayshum is the hollow space inside the nose. It is not the source of a letter itself but is the source of the ghunnah, or nasalization.

What is the makhraj of ghunnah?

The makhraj of ghunnah is Al-Khayshum (the nasal cavity). The ghunnah is a characteristic, not a letter, but its sound has a dedicated exit point. It is an essential component of beautiful recitation.Ghunnah is the nasal sound that accompanies the letters Noon (ن) and Meem (م), especially when they are emphasized with a Shaddah (ّ).

“إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا” 

“Innalladheena aamanoo” 

“Indeed, those who have believed…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:62)

In this verse, the prolonged nasal sound on the Noon (نّ) in “Inna” is the ghunnah, which exits through the nasal cavity.

Difference Between Makhraj and Tajweed

The primary difference between Makhraj and Tajweed is that Tajweed is the complete and overarching science of proper Quranic recitation, while Makhraj is one specific, foundational component within that science. You cannot have correct Tajweed without correct Makhraj.Makhraj answers the question, “From where is this letter produced?” Tajweed answers that question and also addresses the letter’s qualities (Sifaat), rules of elongation (Madd), merging (Idgham), and all other aspects of a polished recitation. 

“مِنْ خَوْفٍ” 

“min khawf” 

“from fear” (Surah Quraysh, 106:4)

In this example, pronouncing the letter Khaa (خ) correctly from the top of the throat is applying the rule of Makhraj, while pronouncing the Noon (ن) clearly before it (Izhaar) is applying another distinct rule of Tajweed.

 Difference Between Makhraj and Sifaat

The core difference between Makhraj and Sifaat is that the Makhraj is the letter’s point of origin, while the Sifaat are its intrinsic characteristics. The Makhraj tells you where to position your tongue or lips, while the Sifaat tell you how the sound should be released.Two letters can share the exact same makhraj yet sound completely different because of their Sifaat. These attributes include qualities like heaviness (Tafkheem), breathiness (Hams), or echoing (Qalqalah). 

“أَحَطتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ” 

“Ahattu bima lam tuhit bih” 

“I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed” (Surah An-Naml, 27:22)

Notice how the heavy Taw (ط) and the light Taa (ت) are pronounced differently, even though both originate from the exact same makhraj at the tip of the tongue.

Master Makharij al Huruf with Quranica

Learning the theory of Makharij from an article is a wonderful and necessary first step. However, true mastery comes from listening to, reciting for, and being corrected by a qualified guide who can hear the subtle differences in your pronunciation. This personal feedback is something no book or article can provide.At Quranica, we connect you with teachers who have dedicated their lives to the Quran. Our instructors are:

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Conclusion

Makhraj in Tajweed refers to the precise articulation points from which Arabic letters are pronounced, ensuring accurate Quranic recitation as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Correct pronunciation preserves the meaning of words and prevents altering the message of the Quran.The term Makharij al-Huruf means “points of exit for the letters,” and scholars, including Imam Ibn Al-Jazari, have identified 17 detailed articulation points grouped into 5 main regions: the oral and throat cavity (Al-Jawf), throat (Al-Halq), tongue (Al-Lisan), lips (Ash-Shafatan), and nasal cavity (Al-Khayshum).Each of these areas contributes to specific sounds. For example, Al-Jawf produces the Madd letters (ا, و, ي), while Al-Halq generates six guttural sounds from three throat levels. The tongue, with ten points of articulation, produces the majority of Arabic letters, including complex ones like Daad (ض) and Laam (ل).The lips form four letters (ف, ب, م, و), while the nasal cavity produces the ghunnah sound, crucial for Noon (ن) and Meem (م) when emphasized.