Meem Sakinah Rules Explained: Ikhfa, Idgham and Izhar Shafawi

A meem with a sukoon (meem sakinah) follows one of three rules depending on the letter after it: ikhfa shafawi if the next letter is ب, idgham shafawi if the next letter is another م, and izhar shafawi before any of the other 26 letters. The word "shafawi" means "of the lips", because the meem is made with the lips.

Last updated: 14 November 2026

Why are there only three meem sakinah rules?

Noon sakinah has four rules because the noon is made in the mouth and can blend with many different letters. The meem is made with both lips together, so only a few letters can interact with it. That is why the system here is shorter and usually the first one beginners find easy. If you have not yet met the noon rules, read the noon sakinah and tanween guide afterwards and compare the two.

Rule 1: Ikhfa shafawi (hiding at the lips)

When a meem sakinah is followed by ب, the meem is hidden with ghunnah, the nasal hum, and the lips close lightly without pressing together. Hold the hum for about two counts. A common mistake is to press the lips hard, which turns the sound into a plain meem and removes the softness of ikhfa.

Rule 2: Idgham shafawi (merging at the lips)

When a meem sakinah is followed by another م, the two meems merge into one, with ghunnah held for about two counts. You will sometimes hear this called idgham mithlayn saghir, which simply means "merging of two identical letters, the first with a sukoon". The result is a single, clearly doubled meem sound.

Rule 3: Izhar shafawi (reading it clearly)

When a meem sakinah is followed by any other letter (the remaining 26), the meem is read clearly, with the lips closed and then opened, and no extra hum. Take extra care when the next letter is و or ف. Because these also use the lips, beginners tend to blur the meem into them. Keep the meem distinct and let your lips open before you move on.

One table to remember

• ب after the meem: ikhfa shafawi. Hide the meem with ghunnah, lips lightly closed.
• م after the meem: idgham shafawi. Merge into one meem with ghunnah.
• Any other letter: izhar shafawi. Read the meem clearly.

How to practise

• Say the rule before you read. On a page you already know, find each meem sakinah, look at the next letter and name the rule aloud.
• Watch your lips in a mirror. In ikhfa the lips barely meet; in izhar they close and open clearly.
• Quiz yourself. The Tajweed quiz has meem sakinah questions with the reason behind each answer, and the makharij chart shows where each letter is formed.
• Read it to a teacher. Our Tajweed course checks the details of your sound live.

Common mistakes

• Pressing the lips together too hard in ikhfa.
• Holding the hum too long or too short; about two counts is the usual guide.
• Blurring the meem into و or ف when it should be clear.
• Adding a hum when the meem should be read clearly.

Next step

Recognising the rule is the easy part; producing the sound is what a teacher helps with. Book a free trial class, read a short page aloud and hear where your meem sakinah rules need attention. For the wider picture, see what an online Tajweed course covers.

Frequently asked questions

What does shafawi mean?

Shafawi means "of the lips". These rules apply to the meem because it is formed with the lips.

How many letters follow izhar shafawi?

Izhar shafawi applies before the remaining 26 letters, which means every letter except ب and م.

Is idgham shafawi the same as idgham mithlayn saghir?

Yes. It is the same rule under a longer name: two identical letters meeting, where the first has a sukoon and the second a vowel.

How long is the ghunnah for meem sakinah?

In ikhfa shafawi and idgham shafawi, the ghunnah is normally held for about two counts. Your teacher will guide the exact feel of it.