Ikhfaa (إخفاء) – To Hide
Introduction
Ikhfaa, meaning “to hide” or “to conceal,” is one of the critical rules in tajweed concerning the pronunciation of Noon Sakinah (ن) and Tanween (ـً ـٍ ـٌ). The rule applies when these are followed by any of the 15 specific letters, resulting in a sound that is partially hidden or concealed.
The Rule of Ikhfaa
When a Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of the 15 letters (ت ث ج د ذ ز س ش ص ض ط ظ ق ك), the Noon or Tanween is pronounced in a way that is partially hidden, with a nasal sound (Ghunnah) that is maintained.
| Rule | Followed by | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Ikhfaa | ت ث ج د ذ ز س ش ص ض ط ظ ق ك | Partially hidden sound with Ghunnah |
Pronunciation Guide
To correctly apply Ikhfaa:
- Prepare to pronounce the Noon or Tanween, but avoid a clear articulation
- Produce a nasal sound (Ghunnah) for about 2 beats, keeping the tongue slightly away from the roof of the mouth
- Transition smoothly into pronouncing the following letter
Examples of Ikhfaa
Here are some examples of Ikhfaa with both Noon Sakinah and Tanween:
With Noon Sakinah
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
مِنْ تَحْتِهَا |
min tahtihaa | beneath it | |
يُنَجِّيكُم |
Yunajjīkum | He saves them |
With Tanween
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا |
samee’an baseeran | All-Hearing, All-Seeing | |
شَرَابًا طَهُورًا |
sharaaban tahooran | pure drink |
Practical Application
To practice the rule of Ikhfaa, try reciting the following Quranic verses, focusing on the hidden sound of the Noon Sakinah and Tanween before the specific letters:
يُنْجِيكُمْ مِنْ كُلِّ كَرْبٍ ﴿٣٤﴾
Transliteration: Yunjieekum min kulli karb
Meaning: He saves you from every distress
Note: Observe the Ikhfaa in “min kulli” (مِنْ كُلِّ), where the Noon Sakinah is partially hidden before the Kaaf.
وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِي أَنفُسُكُمْ ﴿٧١﴾
Transliteration: Walakum feehaa maa tashtahiee anfusukum
Meaning: And for you therein is whatever your souls desire
Note: Notice the Ikhfaa in “tashtahiee anfusukum” (تَشْتَهِي أَنفُسُكُمْ), where the Tanween is partially hidden before the Hamzah.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pronouncing the Noon Sakinah or Tanween clearly instead of hiding it
- Skipping the Ghunnah (nasalization) or not applying it long enough
- Articulating the following letter too strongly, which disrupts the hidden sound
- Confusing Ikhfaa with other tajweed rules like Idgham or Iqlaab
Tips for Mastering Ikhfaa
- Practice the hidden sound without any text to get used to the tongue’s position
- Listen to skilled Quran reciters and focus on how they apply Ikhfaa
- Record yourself reciting verses with Ikhfaa and compare with expert recitations
- Pay attention to the specific letters that trigger Ikhfaa, and practice identifying them in text
- Practice daily, focusing on the fluidity of transitioning from the hidden sound to the following letter
Conclusion
Ikhfaa is a fundamental tajweed rule that adds a layer of precision and beauty to Quranic recitation. By mastering the art of hiding the Noon Sakinah and Tanween before the specific letters, you enhance the melodious and correct recitation of the Quran. Regular practice and careful listening to expert reciters will guide you in applying this rule accurately.