Tanween is an essential feature of the Arabic language, involving the use of double vowel marks to indicate specific pronunciation of words. There are three main types of Tanween: Fateh, Kasrah, and Dhamma. Each type is characterized by a distinct sound, contributing to the melodic and precise recitation of Arabic. Understanding Tanween is vital for learners of Arabic, especially those studying the Quran, as it directly impacts the accuracy and beauty of recitation.
In addition to its basic forms, Tanween follows certain rules when combined with Arabic letters such as Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfaa. These rules help maintain clarity and proper pronunciation in Quranic recitation. By mastering Tanween and its rules, Arabic learners can enhance their reading skills and ensure they are following traditional linguistic practices, particularly in the context of Tajweed.
Here are some examples for relevant Arabic wards having Tanween sign:
Examples of Tanween in Arabic
اشتريتُ كتابًا جديدًا (ashtryt ktaban jdydan)
In the above mentioned sentence “اشتريتُ كتاباً جديدًا”, the word “كتاباً” ends with two fatehs sign. This is called Tanween with Al-fateh, and this Tanween is pronounced as the sound of the Arabic letter “An-noon” which is the same as the pronunciation of the English letter “N”. The writing drawing shape of this kind of tanween is like that: “اً”.
Note: Tanween in this case is placed above the letter.
When using Tanween with Al-fateh, the Arabic letter “alif” is added to the end of the word, and Tanween is put either on the letter preceding it or on itself, such as: “كتابًا- or كتاباً”
Another example
حضَرَ ولدٌ إلى الحديقة (hdar waldon ‘iilaa al hadekah)
In the sentence mentioned above “حضَرَ ولدٌ إلى الحديقة”, the word “ولدٌ” ends with two dammahs sign. This kind of Tanween is called Tanween with Ad-dammah, and this Tanween is pronounced as the sound of the Arabic letter “An-noon” while making the sound of Ad-dammah before “An-noon”. The written drawing shape of this kind of Tanween is like that:
(دٌ)
Another example
استعنتُ بصديقٍ مُخِلصٍ (astant besadeken mukhlsen)
In the above mentioned sentence “استعنتُ بصديقٍ مُخِلصٍ”, the word “مُخِلصٍ” ends with two kasrah signs. This is called Tanween with kasrah, and this kind of Tanween is pronounced as “N” with a stressed kasrah sign.
In order to pronounce Tanween when it is followed or preceded by certain letters, you have to bear in mind the following four rules:
Tanween Example with Izhar
Izhar in Arabic means “to show,” it indicates to clear anything and make it apparent. In the context of reading the Holy Qur’an, this means to pronounce Tanween clearly when it is followed by one of these Arabic letters:
(ء)، (هـ)، (ع)، (ح)، (غ)، (خ)
Example:
( وجوه يومئذٍ خاشعة)
“On that Day ˹some˺ faces will be downcast.” Surah Al Ghashiyah, verse 2
“Woogohen Yaom Ezen Khashe’a”
In this example we should clear the sound of Tanween which is in the last letter of the second word. Tanween should be voiced obviously.
Tanween Example with Idgham
Idgham in Arabic means to mix two things together. In reading the Holy Qur’an, Idgham is to mix the sound of Tanween with one of the following letters:
(ي, ن, و, ل, م, ر)
Example 1
(وَمَن يَعمَل مِنَ الصّالِحاتِ وَهُوَ مُؤمِنٌ فَلا يَخافُ ظُلمًا وَلا هَضمًا)
“But whoever has done righteous deeds, while being a believer—will fear neither injustice, nor grievance” Surah Ta-ha, 112
“waman yaemal min alssalihat wahu mumin fala yakhaf zulman wala hadman”
Example 2
(قَيِّمًا لِيُنذِرَ بَأسًا شَديدًا مِن لَدُنهُ وَيُبَشِّرَ المُؤمِنينَ الَّذينَ يَعمَلونَ الصّالِحاتِ أَنَّ لَهُم أَجرًا حَسَنًا)
“Valuable—to warn of severe punishment from Himself; and to deliver good news to the believers who do righteous deeds, that they will have an excellent reward.” Surah Al-kahf verse, 2
(Qayiman liundhir basan shadydan min ladunh wayubashir almuminyn aladhyn yaemalwn alssalihat ‘ana lahum ‘ajran hasanan)
In the above examples, we should articulate Tanween by mixing Tanween sound with the sound that follows.
Tanween Example with Iqlab
The word “Iqlab” means to change into something else. It happens when Tanween is followed by the Arabic letter (ب)
In this case the sound of the letter (ب) is turned to be Pronounced (م)
Examples
قُلْ كَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيدًا بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمْ
“Say, “God is enough witness between you and me. He is fully aware of His servants, and He sees them well.” Surah al-isra verse 96
“Kol kafa Beallah shahedan bayni wa bayinkom.”
وأنبتنا فيها مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍ بَهِيجٍ
“grew in it all kinds of delightful pairs” Surah Qaf verse, 7
“Wa Anbatnah feha men kol zojan bahejan”
In the examples mentioned above the sound of the letter (ب) which came after Tanween is turned to be pronounced (م).
Tanween Example with Ikhfaa
All of the Arabic letters, except the letters of Izhar, Iqlab, and Idgham, are named Ikhfa letters. They are fifteen letters. The meaning of ikhfa according to the rules of the Holy Quran is to hide the Tanween sound when it is followed by one of the Ikhfa letters.
The letters of ikhfa are as follows:
صِ ذَ ثَ كَ جَ شَ قَ سَ دُ طَ زِ فِ تُ ضَ ظَ
Example 1
“سَيَصۡلَىٰ نَارًا ذَاتَ لَهَبٍ”
“He will burn in a Flaming Fire.” Surah al-masad verse 3.
(sayasۡlaa naran dhat lahab)
In this example, the second word ((نارًا)) ends with Tanween, and is followed by the letter (ذ) which is one of Ikhfa letters. In this case the Tanween is pronounced in a way that seems to be hidden.
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, Tanween plays a crucial role in the structure and pronunciation of the Arabic language, especially in Quranic recitation. It helps to clarify grammatical structures, improving both comprehension and accuracy. Mastering Tanween, along with its accompanying rules, is essential for anyone looking to improve their Arabic reading and Tajweed skills.
