Basmala |
‘In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful’. |
Dammah |
A small apostrophe-like shape written above a letter. It represents a short vowel ‘u’ (like the ‘u’ sound in ‘who’ but only stretched for 1 count). |
Definite Article |
This is formed by adding the prefix “al” to the noun. “Al” is equal to “the” in English and it should be connected to the noun. |
fathah |
A short diagonal stroke written above a letter. It represents a short vowel ‘a’ (like the ‘a’ sound in hat). |
Ghunnah |
The sound that is produced from the nose and the tongue is not used. The duration of the ghunnah sound is for 2 counts. |
Harakat(pl. Harakaat) |
The vowel movements. |
Idghaam |
The blending or assimilation of the sound of 2 letters. |
Ikhfaa |
The hiding or concealment of the sound of a letter. |
Iqlaab |
The changing or turning of the sound of a letter. |
Ith’haar |
The clarity of the sound of a letter. |
Kasrah |
A short diagonal stroke written below a letter. It represents a short vowel ‘i’ (like the ‘i’ sound in ‘bee’ but only stretched for 1 count). |
Lahn |
The incorrect pronunciation of a letter. |
Madd |
The prolongation of the sound of a vowel. |
Makhraj(pl. Makhaarij) |
The prescribed point of exit, or the point at which the sound originates. |
Muttaharrik |
A letter which carries a vowel. |
Nunnation |
See ‘Tanween’. |
Shaddah |
A small ‘w’ written above a letter. This represents a letter that has been doubled, and therefore sounds stronger. |
Sifa(pl.Sifaat) |
The manner of articulation (the characteristics of the letters and recitation). |
Sukoon (Saakin) |
A small semi or full circle written above a letter. This represents a letter which does not have a vowel. It also joins 2 letters. |
Tafkheem |
Also known as full mouth or thick letters. The elevation of the back of the tongue, resulting in a thick sound. |
Tajweed |
To improve, make better. The correct pronunciation during recitation. |
Tanween |
Vowels that produce a “nn” sound immediately after it. |
Tanween (fathah) |
Known as ‘fattatain’, 2 fathahs written above a letter (like the ‘an’ sound in ‘man’). It is usually supported by an alif. |
Tanween (Kasrah) |
Known as ‘kasratain’, 2 kasrahs written below a letter (like the ‘in’ sound in ‘win’). |
Tanween (dammah) |
Known as ‘dammatain’, 2 dammahs written above a letter (like the ‘un’ sound in ‘bun’). |
Tarqeeq |
The opposite of ‘tafkheem’. Also known as empty mouth or thin letters. The lowering of the back of the tongue, resulting in a flat sound. |
Tarteel |
The measured recitation of the Quran in rhythmic tones. |
Ta’wawwuth |
‘I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected shaitaan’ |
Waqf |
To pause or to make a stop by breaking off the breath at the end of the word. |
Wasl |
The opposite of waqf. The joining of verses / sentences without stopping. |