Mastering Noon Sakeena and Tanween: A Tajweed Overview

Ghunna, a nasalization feature, is essential for the letters Noon ن and Meem م. This holds true irrespective of their pronunciation state, whether vocalized, with a sukoon, during idhar, idgham, or even following ikhfa tajweed rules. Its sound originates from the nose, known as خَيْشُوم.

1. Nuances and Levels of Ghunna in Arabic Letters

A. In Idgham or Shadda

The most pronounced and elongated form of ghunna is observed in idgham or shadda.

وَمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّـهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مِن مَّاءٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ

and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain (2:164)

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ

Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.” (114:1)

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ

Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. (3:144)

B. During Ikhfah

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. (97:1)

C. With a Sukoon

Examples:

كَيْفَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِاللَّـهِ وَكُنتُمْ أَمْوَاتًا فَأَحْيَاكُمْ

How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless, and He brought you to life? (2:28)

بَلْ تُؤْثِرُونَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا

But you prefer the worldly life. (87:16)

صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray. (1:7)

كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّـهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ

All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers. (2:285)

D. Least Intense Ghunna: The Nasalization of Vocalized Meem and Noon (Mutaharika)

وَنَادَىٰ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ أَصْحَابَ الْجَنَّةِ أَنْ أَفِيضُوا عَلَيْنَا مِنَ الْمَاءِ أَوْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللَّـهُ

And the companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise, “Pour upon us some water or from whatever Allah has provided you.” (7:50)

2. Clarifying the Duration of Ghunna in Noon and Meem with Shadda

A common belief is that the ghunna of noon and meem with shadda lasts for two vowel counts (harakatayn). However, Dr. Aymen Sued, in his chapter on ghunna duration, posits that it may extend slightly beyond that.

1. Ghunna Naqis (Partial Nasalization): The lips should slightly part, leaving a narrow space as thin as a leaf.
2. Ghunna Kamil (Complete Nasalization): The lips should meet without excessive pressure to ensure clarity of the following letter.

In practice, ensure the nasal passage is closed during all other letters except Meem and Noon to prevent unintended nasalization.

Conclusion

Ghunna is an integral part of correct tajweed, giving depth and resonance to Qur’anic recitation. Its mastery lies in balancing precision with natural fluency, ensuring the nasalization complements — not overwhelms — the articulation of letters.

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