Idgham Kamel is one of the several types of Idgham, it involves the complete merging of a preceding letter with sukoon into the following letter, eliminating the original letter’s characteristics and resulting in a single intensified letter, as seen with letters like noon, meem, ra, and lam in the Quran. Examples include the merging of “ت” into “ط” in “فآمنت طائفة” and “ل” into “ر” in “وقل رب.”
The three main types of Idgham Kamel are Idgham Mutajanisain (homogeneous letters), Idgham Mutmatsilain (identical letters), and Idgham Mutaqaribain (close letters), each with specific rules and Quranic examples.
Definition of Idgham Kamel
Idgham Kamel إدغام كامل or Complete Idgham involves the total merging of the preceding letter “with sokoon” by the following letter of the word, where the characteristics and pronunciation of the first letter disappear entirely, and it merges with the following letter to form one single letter with a full shadda (intensification). This occurs with the letters noon (ن), meem (م), ra (ر), and lam (ل).
How Idgham Kamil Works?
When two letters with compatible articulation points (makharij) meet—like ن + ل or ن + ر—and the first is sakin (silent), the first letter is absorbed entirely. For instance:
- In من ربهم, the ن is fully merged into the ر, resulting in a strong رّ sound.
Distinction from Idgham Naqis (Incomplete Assimilation):
While Idgham Kamil involves full absorption—both in body and sound traits—Idgham Naqis retains some of the original letter’s qualities (like ghunnah, or nasalization). Hence, Idgham Kamil is stronger and more complete in its effect.
Examples of Idgham Kamel in the Holy Quran
1- the verse: فآمنت طائفة ( F’amant Ta’Efa) [As-Saff: 14]
we see that the letter “ت” (taa) is replaced with “ط” (taa) and then merged into the “ط” of “طائفة” (ta’ifah), resulting in the elimination of its original form and characteristics. The pronunciation becomes an open noon followed by an intensified open taa.
2- the verse: وقل رب (wa Qol Rab) [Ta-Ha: 114]
We see that the letter “ل” (lam) is replaced with “ر” (ra) and then merged into the “ra” of “رب” (rabbi), resulting in the elimination of its original form and characteristics. The pronunciation becomes a “qaf” followed by an intensified open ra.
| Letters | Example | Explanation | Surah | Ayah |
| ت (taa), د (daal), | أُجِيبـَت دَّعْوَتُكُمَا | “ت” merges into “د” with a shaddah. | Yunus | 89 |
| ر(ra) ,ن (noon) | مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ | “ن” merges into “ر” with a shaddah. | Al-Imran | 69 |
Types of Idgham Kamel:
There are three main types of Idgham Kamel: Idgham Mutajanisain, Idgham Mutamathilain, and Idgham Mutaqaribain.
1- Idgham mutajanisain
2- Idgham mutmatsilain
3- Idgham mutaqaribain
Idgham Mutajanisain occurs when two letters that are similar in their articulation and phonetic characteristics meet, such as Taa (ت) and Taa (ط). The first letter remains silent (sukoon), and the second is pronounced with a vowel sound.
Idgham Mutamatsilain involves identical letters where both letters share the same articulation point and characteristics, such as two consecutive Baa (ب) letters. When this happens, the letters merge and are pronounced as a single letter.
Idgham Mutaqaribain involves letters that are close in articulation but not identical. The first letter disappears, and the second letter is pronounced with emphasis.
Each type of Idgham has specific examples and rules for its application in Quranic recitation. For example, in Mutajanisain, letters like Taa (ت) and Daal (د) merge, while in Mutamatsilain, identical letters like Baa (ب) are combined.
Mutaqaribain occurs with letters like Lam (ل) and Ra (ر), where the first letter is assimilated into the second. Mastering these rules is essential for accurate and beautiful Quranic recitation, helping reciters pronounce the words in harmony with Tajweed standards.
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Conclusion:
By completing this article, we hope you have learned the concept of complete assimilation and its various types (assimilation of homogeneous letters, assimilation of identical letters, assimilation of close letters), and the letters designated for each type.
You have also become familiar with examples from the Holy Quran. We now encourage you to apply what you have learned in your recitation of the Holy Quran. You can listen to the verses we presented to you as examples in this article and practice more to recite the Quran with even greater beauty and connect with its profound meanings.
