Idghaam (إدغام) – To Merge
Introduction
Idghaam, which means “to merge” or “to assimilate,” is one of the essential rules in tajweed related to Noon Sakinah (ن) and Tanween (ـً ـٍ ـٌ). This rule is applied when these are followed by specific letters, resulting in the merging of the noon sound into the following letter.
Types of Idghaam
There are two types of Idghaam:
- Idghaam with Ghunnah (with nasalization)
- Idghaam without Ghunnah (without nasalization)
1. Idghaam with Ghunnah
This occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of four letters, collectively known as يَنْمُو (yanmu). The noon sound is merged into the following letter with a nasal sound (ghunnah).
| Arabic Letter | Transliteration | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
ي |
Yaa |
مَن يَقُولُ |
|
ن |
Noon |
مِن نِّعْمَةٍ |
|
م |
Meem |
مِن مَّاءٍ |
|
و |
Waw |
مِن وَّالٍ |
2. Idghaam without Ghunnah
This occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by either Laam (ل) or Raa (ر). The noon sound is completely merged into the following letter without any nasalization.
| Arabic Letter | Transliteration | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
ل |
Laam |
مِن لَّدُنْهُ |
|
ر |
Raa |
مِن رَّبِّهِمْ |
Practical Application
To practice the rule of Idghaam, try reciting the following Quranic verses, paying close attention to the merging of Noon Sakinah and Tanween with the following letters:
Idghaam with Ghunnah
فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ ﴿٧﴾
Transliteration: Faman ya’mal mithqaala dharratin khayran yarah
Meaning: So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it
Note: Observe the merging of noon in “faman” (فَمَن) with the yaa in “ya’mal” (يَعْمَلْ) with ghunnah.
Idghaam without Ghunnah
هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٢﴾
Transliteration: Hudal lilmuttaqeen
Meaning: Guidance for the righteous
Note: Notice the complete merging of the tanween in “hudan” (هُدًى) with the laam in “lilmuttaqeen” (لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ) without any nasalization.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not fully merging the noon sound into the following letter
- Adding ghunnah (nasalization) when reciting Idghaam without Ghunnah (with laam and raa)
- Forgetting to apply Idghaam and instead pronouncing the noon clearly (which would be Izhar)
- Overdoing the ghunnah in Idghaam with Ghunnah, making it sound unnatural
Tips for Mastering Idghaam
- Practice pronouncing each Idghaam letter pair individually before attempting full words or verses.
- Listen carefully to proficient Quran reciters and pay attention to how they apply Idghaam.
- Record yourself reciting verses with Idghaam and compare with expert recitations.
- Practice regularly, focusing on the smooth merging of sounds in Idghaam with Ghunnah and the complete assimilation in Idghaam without Ghunnah.
- When in doubt, refer back to the basic rule: merge the noon sound into the following letter, with or without nasalization depending on the letter.
Conclusion
Mastering the rule of Idghaam is crucial for proper Quranic recitation. It ensures the correct merging of Noon Sakinah and Tanween with specific letters, preserving the fluidity and melodious nature of the Quranic text. Regular practice and attentive listening will help you apply this rule correctly, enhancing the beauty and accuracy of your recitation.