Sifaat Al Huroof In Tajweed: The Arabic language consists of 28 letters, each with its own articulation point and distinctive quality. Some letters may share the same articulation point, which is why each letter is given a unique characteristic to distinguish it from the others.
Given that Arabic is the language of the Quran, the science of Tajweed (the art of Quranic recitation) includes an entire chapter dedicated to the articulation points and characteristics of the letters. Today, we will discuss the characteristics of the letters in Quranic recitation.
What Are Sifaat al-Huroof?
Sifaat al-Huroof refers to the inherent qualities of Arabic letters that influence how they are articulated. These characteristics are divided into two main categories:
- Sifaat with Opposites (صفات لها ضد) – Characteristics that exist in pairs, meaning a letter can have one but not both.
- Sifaat without Opposites (صفات لا ضد لها) – Unique characteristics that a letter may have without an opposing quality.
1. Sifaat with Opposites (صفات لها ضد)
These are characteristics that come in pairs, meaning every letter has one of the two qualities within each pair. There are five main pairs:
Hams (همس) vs. Jahr (جهر)
- Hams (Whispering) – The flow of breath continues when pronouncing the letter.
- Letters: ف، ح، ث، ه، ش، خ، ص، س، ك، ت (فحثه شخص سكت)
- Jahr (Audibility) – The breath stops when the letter is pronounced.
- Letters: All remaining letters.
Shiddah (شدة) vs. Rikhaawah (رخاوة) vs. Tawassut (توسط)
- Shiddah (Strength) – Airflow is completely stopped.
- Letters: أ، ج، د، ق، ط، ب، ك، ت (أجد قط بكت)
- Rikhaawah (Softness) – Airflow continues smoothly.
- Letters: All except those in Shiddah and Tawassut.
- Tawassut (Between Strength & Softness) – Airflow is partially stopped.
- Letters: ل، ن، ع، م، ر (لن عمر)
Isti‘laa (استعلاء) vs. Istifaal (استفال)
- Isti‘laa (Elevation) – The tongue is raised toward the roof of the mouth.
- Letters: خ، ص، ض، غ، ط، ق، ظ (خص ضغط قظ)
- Istifaal (Lowering) – The tongue remains low.
- Letters: All remaining letters.
Itbaaq (إطباق) vs. Infitah (انفتاح)
- Itbaaq (Compression) – The tongue presses against the roof of the mouth.
- Letters: ص، ض، ط، ظ
- Infitah (Opening) – The tongue does not press against the roof.
- Letters: All remaining letters.
Idhlaq (إذلاق) vs. Ismaat (إصمات)
- Idhlaq (Fluency) – The letter is pronounced with ease from the tip of the tongue or lips.
- Letters: ف، ر، م، ن، ل، ب (فر من لب)
- Ismaat (Impedance) – These letters require more effort to pronounce.
- Letters: All remaining letters.
2. Sifaat Without Opposites (صفات لا ضد لها)
These are unique qualities that some letters have without an opposing characteristic.
Safeer (صفير) – Whistling Sound
- Letters that produce a whistling sound when pronounced.
- Letters: ص، ز، س
Qalqalah (قلقلة) – Echoing Sound
- A bouncing sound that occurs when these letters are Sakinah (ْ).
- Letters: ق، ط، ب، ج، د (قطب جد)
Leen (لين) – Softness
- These letters are pronounced softly when preceded by Fatha (َ).
- Letters: و، ي
Inhiraaf (انحراف) – Deflection
- The sound is deflected slightly from its path.
- Letters: ل، ر
Takreer (تكرير) – Repetition
- The rolling or vibration of the tongue when pronouncing Raa (ر).
Tafasshi (تفشي) – Spreading
- The sound spreads out in the mouth.
- Letter: ش
Istitalah (استطالة) – Lengthening
- The sound extends along the tongue.
- Letter: ض
Characteristics of Letters in Tajweed:
A characteristic of the letter is how a letter is pronounced, which distinguishes it from other letters. Understanding the characteristics of the letters allows us to:
Distinguish between letters that share the same articulation point (المخرج) by giving each letter its due characteristics.
For example, the letters “thaa” (ث), “dhal” (ذ), and “dha” (ظ) all originate from the tip of the tongue and the edges of the upper incisors. They are distinguished by giving each letter its proper characteristics.
Improve the pronunciation of the letters by giving each letter its due articulation point and characteristic. Identify strong and weak letters based on their characteristics, which helps in determining which letters can be merged (idgham), which cannot, and the extent of merging (complete or partial).
1. Permanent Characteristics (صفات لازمة)
These are intrinsic qualities that are always present in a letter, regardless of its position in a word. Scholars generally agree on 17 permanent characteristics, which are further classified into two subcategories:
A. Oppositional Characteristics (صفات لها ضد)
These characteristics exist in pairs, meaning if a letter possesses one, it cannot have the opposite. Each letter must have one characteristic from each pair, ensuring five fundamental traits per letter:
- Hams (همس) – Whispering vs. Jahr (جهر) – Voicedness
- Shiddah (شدة) – Force vs. Rikhaawah (رخاوة) – Looseness, with Tawassut (توسط) – Moderation in between
- Isti‘laa (استعلاء) – Elevation vs. Istifaal (استفال) – Lowering
- Itbaaq (إطباق) – Tightening vs. Infitah (انفتاح) – Opening
- Idhlaq (إذلاق) – Fluency vs. Ismaat (إصمات) – Obstruction
B. Non-Oppositional Characteristics (صفات لا ضد لها)
These are unique traits that certain letters may possess without an opposing counterpart. Scholars traditionally list seven, but some add more:
- Qalqalah (قلقلة) – Bouncing Sound
- Safeer (صفير) – Whistling
- Inhiraaf (انحراف) – Deflection
- Tafasshi (تفشي) – Diffusion
- Istitalah (استطالة) – Lengthening
- Takreer (تكرير) – Repetition
- Ghunnah (غنة) – Nasalization (sometimes considered a separate Tajweed rule)
Some scholars add Ikhfaa’ (إخفاء) – Concealment as another characteristic.
2. Temporary Characteristics (صفات عارضة)
These characteristics are conditional, meaning they occur in specific recitation contexts but do not define the letter’s essential nature. Examples include:
- Tafkhim (تفخيم) – Thickening (applies to certain letters like ر and letters of Isti‘laa in some cases)
- Tarqeeq (ترقيق) – Thinning (opposite of Tafkhim)
- Idgham (إدغام) – Merging
- Ikhfaa’ (إخفاء) – Concealment
- Mad (مد) – Prolongation
How to Determine the Characteristics of a Letter?
- Identify one characteristic from each of the five oppositional pairs.
- Check if the letter has any non-oppositional characteristics.
- If applicable, consider temporary characteristics based on recitation rules.
Each letter has at least five permanent characteristics and can have up to seven if it possesses non-oppositional traits.
Read more about huroof al muqatta’at tajweed
Avoiding Common Tajweed Mistakes
One of the key aspects of proper Quranic recitation is understanding Sifaat al-Huroof (the characteristics of Arabic letters). These attributes determine how letters should be pronounced correctly, ensuring clarity, beauty, and accuracy in recitation. Many students, however, make common mistakes when it comes to applying Tajweed rules, especially with letters that have specific attributes, such as Mim Sakinah (م), Taa (ت), and Dhaad (ض).
Avoiding Qalqalah in Silent Letters
One frequent mistake is the incorrect application of Qalqalah (bouncing sound) to silent letters like Taa (ت) and Dhaad (ض). While Qalqalah applies to certain letters like Qaaf (ق), Taa (ط), Baa (ب), Jeem (ج), and Daal (د) when they are Sukoon, many mistakenly add it to silent Taa or Dhaad, disrupting the correct articulation of the word. Learn how to avoid this mistake and improve your Tajweed in this lesson: Watch here.
Perfecting Mim Sakinah: Idgham, Ikhfa’, and Izhar
The letter Mim Sakinah (م) has three key rules: Idgham (merging), Ikhfa’ (hiding), and Izhar (clear pronunciation). Mastering these ensures smooth and natural recitation. In an exciting Tajweed challenge, Ammar competes with his teacher to correctly apply these rules. Test your own knowledge and join the challenge: Watch here.
Mastering Idgham in Mim Sakinah
Idgham in Mim Sakinah is a common area where students struggle. This occurs when a Mim Sakinah is followed by another Mim, requiring a smooth merging of sounds with ghunnah (nasalization). In this lesson, watch how Ammar refines his pronunciation under expert guidance: Watch here.
Enhance Your Tajweed Skills!
Understanding Sifaat al-Huroof is essential for proper Quran recitation. By learning the correct articulation and characteristics of Arabic letters, you can avoid common mistakes and recite with clarity. If you want to perfect your recitation, join our Tajweed Program today! 👉 Subscribe now
Strong, Weak, and Moderate Characteristics Of Arabic Letters:
The permanent characteristics can be categorized as strong, weak, or moderate:
1. Strong Characteristics:
These include voicedness (jahr), force (shiddah), elevation (isti’laa), tightening (itbaaq), bouncing (qalqalah), whistling (safee), deflection (inhiraaf), and diffusion (tafashshi).
2. Weak Characteristics:
These include softness (hams), looseness (rikhaawah), lowering (istifal), opening (infitaah), and leanness (layn).
3. Moderate Characteristics:
These include moderation (tawasut), obstruction (ismaat), and fluency (idhlak).
Some scholars classify the characteristics differently, considering moderation and fluency as weak characteristics and obstruction as strong characteristics.
How to Determine the Characteristics of a Letter:
To determine the characteristics of any letter, follow these steps:
1. Review the oppositional characteristics:
Identify if the letter has any of these characteristics and note that it cannot have its opposite. These are the five characteristics that every letter must have.
2. Check the non-oppositional characteristics:
See if the letter possesses any of these characteristics. If it does, record this characteristic and add it to the previously identified five.
A letter cannot have more than seven characteristics and no less than five. Based on these characteristics, assess the strength or weakness of the letter.
Tajweed Sifaat Lazema Chart:
| Sifah | Meaning | Letters |
| Whispering (Al-Hams)(الهمس) | The flow of breath when pronouncing the letter | ف(faa).ح(haa),ث(thaa),هـ(haa) ش(sheen),ص(sad),س(seen),ك(kaf),ت(taa) |
| Voicedness (Al-Jahr)(لجهر) | The cessation of breath flow when pronouncing the letter due to the strong reliance on the articulation point | The rest of arabic letters except Hams letters |
| Force (Al-Shiddah)(الشدة) | The cessation of sound flow when pronouncing the letter due to the complete reliance on the articulation point. | أ(alif),ج(jeem),د(dal),ق(kaf),ط(taa),ب(baa),ك(kaf),ت(taa) |
| Moderation (Al-Tawasut)(التوسط) | The balance of sound when pronouncing the letter due to the partial cessation of the sound flow. | ل(lam),ن(noon),ع(ain),م(meem),ر(ra) |
| Looseness (Al-Rikhaawah)الرخاوة | The flow of sound with the letter due to the weak reliance on the articulation point. | The rest of arabic letters except shiddah and tawasut letters |
| Elevation (Al-Isti’laa)(الاستعلاء) | The raising of the tongue to the roof of the mouth when pronouncing the letter. | خ(kha),ص(sad),ض(dhad),غ(ghain),ط(taa),ق(kaf),ظ(dhaa) |
| Lowering (Al-Istifal)(الاستفال) | The lowering of the tongue to the floor of the mouth when pronouncing the letter. | The rest of arabic letters except (Al-Isti’laa) letters. |
| Tightening (Al-Itbaaq)(الاطباق) | The tongue’s close proximity to the roof of the mouth when pronouncing the letter. | ص(sad),ض(dad),ط(taa).ظ(dhaa) |
| Opening (Al-Infitaah)(الانفتاح) | The distancing of the tongue from the roof of the mouth to allow the breath to flow out. | The rest of arabic letters except (Al-Itbaaq) letters. |
| Extension and Leniency (Al-Mad wa Al-Layn)(المد واللين) | The elongation of sound and the effortless pronunciation of the letter. | ا(alif),و(waw),ي(ya) |
| Whistling (Al-Safeer)(الصفير) | The sharpness of the sound when pronouncing the letter. | ص(sad),س(seen),ز(zaa) |
| Diffusion (Al-Tafashshi)(التفشي) | The spread and relaxation of breath flow when pronouncing the letter. | ش(sheen),ث(thaa) |
| Lengthening (Al-Istitaalah)(الاستطالة) | The extension of sound from one edge of the tongue to the other. | ض(dad) |
| Repetition (Al-Takreer)(التكرير) | The slight vibration in the pronunciation of the letter “ر” (Ra) due to the tongue’s trembling. | ر(ra) |
| Deflection (Al-Inhiraaf)(الانحراف) | The deviation of sound from one characteristic to another. | ر(ra),ل(lam) |
| Nasalization (Al-Ghunnah)(الغنة) | A characteristic inherent to the letters “ن” (Nun) and “م” (Meem). | “ن” (Nun) and “م” (Meem) |
| Bouncing (Al-Qalqalah)(القلقلة) | The vibration at the articulation point when pronouncing the letter in a state of rest, producing a strong sound | ق(kaf),ط(taa),ب(baa),ج(jeem),د(dal) |
| Blowing (Al-Nafkh)(النفخ) | The sound produced when the letter is pronounced with pressure at its articulation point, which is less intense than bouncing. | ض(dad),ظ(dhaa)ز(zaa),ذ(dhal) |
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Conclusion:
Each letter of the Arabic alphabet has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other letters. Some letters may exhibit multiple traits.
To pronounce each letter of the Quran correctly, you need to understand its distinctive features. In this lesson, we have identified the characteristics of the letters and categorized them into essential and incidental traits.
Essential traits are inherent to the letter without external influences, while incidental traits depend on external factors such as hiding (Ikhfa), merging (Idgham), and turning (Iqlab).
We further divided the essential traits into two categories: traits that have opposites and traits that do not. We provided a table with the name of each trait, its definition, and an example of a letter exhibiting that trait from the Quran.
We hope this article is beneficial for anyone seeking to learn the science of Tajweed of the Holy Quran. We pray that Allah raises our ranks through the Quran.
