Introduction to Al-Idghaam
Al-Idghaam (الإدغام), meaning “merging”, is one of the important rules in Tajweed related to Noon Sakinah (نْ) and Tanween (ــًــٍــٌ). This rule occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of six specific letters, and instead of pronouncing the Noon or Tanween clearly, we merge it into the next letter.
Understanding and applying Al-Idghaam is essential for reading the Quran with fluency and beauty. It helps in smooth transitions between letters, avoiding any harsh stops or awkward pronunciation, and aligning with the way Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recited the Quran.
What Is Al-Idghaam?
The word Idghaam literally means insertion or merging. In Tajweed, it refers to merging the sound of Noon Sakinah or Tanween into the next letter without fully pronouncing the Noon sound. This rule applies only when the next letter is one of the following six:
Group of Letters:
ي ر م ل و ن
(Collected in the Arabic word: “يرملون”)
Types of Al-Idghaam
There are two types of Al-Idghaam:
1. Idghaam with Ghunnah (nasal sound):
Occurs when the following letter is one of:
ي – ن – م – و
💡 In this case, the Noon or Tanween is merged into the next letter with a nasal sound.
Examples:
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“مَن يَقُولُ” → the Noon is merged into the yaa with ghunnah.
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“غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ” → the tanween is merged into the raa with ghunnah.
2. Idghaam without Ghunnah:
Occurs only with: ل – ر
💡 Here, the Noon or Tanween is merged into the next letter without nasal sound.
Examples:
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“مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ” → the Noon merges into the raa, no ghunnah.
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“هُدىً لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ” → tanween merges into laam, no ghunnah.
{صِنْوَانٌ} An’aam 99 {قِنْوَانٌ} Ar-Ra’ad 4 {الدُّنْيَا} Al-Baqara 85 {بُنْيَانٌ} As-Saf 4
When Is Idghaam Applied?
Only when:
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Noon Sakinah (نْ) or Tanween is at the end of a word.
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The next word begins with one of the “يرملون” letters.
‼️ Important: Idghaam is never applied if the Noon Sakinah and the next letter are in the same word — this is an exception rule.
Why Is Al-Idghaam Important?
Al-Idghaam enhances the melodic flow and clarity in recitation. It’s one of the Tajweed tools that makes your Quran reading sound beautiful and smooth, just like the way it was revealed. Ignoring Idghaam might lead to harsh or broken recitation, or worse — change in meaning.
By mastering this rule:
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You improve your pronunciation.
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You strengthen your connection with the Quran.
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You follow the authentic tradition of the Prophet ﷺ.
Examples of Al-Idghaam in the Quran
Here are a few real examples:
🔹 Idghaam with Ghunnah:
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“مِن نِّعْمَةٍ” → Noon + Noon = merged with ghunnah
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“يَوْمَئِذٍ يُصْعِقُونَ” → Tanween + Yaa = merged with ghunnah
🔹 Idghaam without Ghunnah:
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“مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ” → Noon + Raa = merged without ghunnah
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“كِتَابٌ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ” → Tanween + Laam = merged without ghunnah
How to Practice Al-Idghaam
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👂 Listen to proper Quran recitation (like by Al-Husary or Al-Minshawi).
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🔁 Repeat short verses slowly, focusing on the merge.
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🔤 Memorize the six Idghaam letters (يرملون).
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🎧 Record yourself and compare with proper Tajweed.
Conclusion
Al-Idghaam is a golden rule in Tajweed that makes your recitation smooth, melodious, and precise. It teaches how to merge Noon Sakinah and Tanween correctly into specific letters, either with or without a nasal sound. It’s not only about technical rules — it’s about beautifying your connection with the Quran, enhancing your spiritual experience, and reflecting the accuracy of the Prophet’s ﷺ recitation.
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