Izhar Shafawi is the Tajweed rule where the meem sakinah (مْ) is pronounced clearly when followed by any letter except meem (م) or baa (ب). This clear articulation ensures proper lip pronunciation and prevents merging or nasalization.
Izhar Shafawi
Izhar Shafawi pertains specifically to the letter “meem” “م” when it appears in its consonant state. In this case, all subsequent letters following the meem sakinah must be pronounced clearly. However, there are exceptions to this rule. When the letters meem or baa follow the meem sakinah, they are not pronounced; instead, they are hidden or assimilated into the meem sakinah.
Examples of Izhar Shafawi
Let’s practice pronouncing Izhar Shafawi using these Quranic examples with transliteration:
- “الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ”
“Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alAAalameena” (Surat Al-Fatiha, 2)
- “أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِي تَضْلِيلٍ”
“Alam yajAAal kaydahum fee tadleelin” (Surat Alfeel, 2)
- “لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ”
“Lakum deenukum waliya deeni” (Surat Al-Kafroon, 6)
- “إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا”
“Innama nutAAimukum liwajhi Allahi la nureedu minkum jazaan wala shukooran” (Surat Al-Insan, 9)
Here for example, a Tajweed class with an experienced teacher tackling Izhar:
Conclusion
In summary, Izhar Shafawi occurs when a meem sakinah comes before any letter other than meem or baa, requiring clear pronunciation. Practicing the examples helps improve accuracy and fluency in Quranic recitation.
