Noon Sakinah and Tanween: The Four Rules Explained Simply

When a noon has a sukoon (noon sakinah) or a word ends in tanween, the sound is read in one of four ways depending on the letter that comes next: izhar (clearly), idgham (merged), iqlab (changed to a meem sound) or ikhfa (hidden). Every one of the 28 Arabic letters falls into exactly one of these groups, so once you know the groups you can name the rule for any case.

Last updated: 14 November 2026

What are noon sakinah and tanween?

A noon sakinah is the letter ن carrying a sukoon, the small circle that means "no vowel". Tanween is the doubled vowel mark at the end of a word (a double fatha, double damma or double kasra), which adds a noon sound to the end of the word when you read it. The two behave the same way, which is why Tajweed teaches them together. If sukoon and the short vowels are still new to you, our harakat practice drill is a good warm-up.

Rule 1: Izhar (reading it clearly)

Izhar means "to make clear". The noon is pronounced fully, with no nasal hum, when the next letter is one of the six throat letters: ء ه ع ح غ خ. These letters come from the throat, far from where the noon is made, so the two sounds do not blend and the noon stays clean and clear.

Rule 2: Idgham (merging)

Idgham means "to merge". The noon flows into the next letter when that letter is one of six: ي ر م ل و ن. A helpful way to remember them is that they split into two groups:

• With ghunnah (a nasal hum held for about two counts): ي ن م و.
• Without ghunnah (the noon disappears completely into the next letter): ل and ر.

There is one condition beginners should know. This merging is applied when the noon sakinah and the next letter are in different words. If both sit inside the same word, the noon is read clearly instead, and your teacher will point out these rare cases when you meet them.

Rule 3: Iqlab (changing)

Iqlab means "to turn over" and applies to one letter only: ب. Before it, the noon sakinah or tanween turns into a meem sound with ghunnah, and the lips lightly close, without pressing hard. It is the only rule where the sound being read is not the letter that is written.

Rule 4: Ikhfa (hiding)

Ikhfa means "to hide". The noon is half-hidden, with ghunnah, before the remaining 15 letters: ت ث ج د ذ ز س ش ص ض ط ظ ف ق ك. The tongue does not touch its usual place for the noon; it moves towards where the next letter is formed while the hum continues. Because ikhfa has the most letters, it is the rule you will hear most often when you recite.

A quick way to remember the whole map

• Izhar: 6 letters, no ghunnah.
• Idgham: 6 letters, four with ghunnah and two without.
• Iqlab: 1 letter, with ghunnah.
• Ikhfa: 15 letters, with ghunnah.

Six, six, one and fifteen make 28, the whole alphabet. If your count does not reach 28, a letter is missing from your list.

How to practise

• Learn one rule per week. Start with izhar, which is the easiest, and only add the next when the first feels automatic.
• Practise on a page you already read well. Find a noon sakinah or tanween, name the next letter, then name the rule aloud before you read it.
• Test yourself. The Tajweed quiz has noon sakinah and tanween questions with the reason for each answer, and the Tajweed cheat sheet is a printable one-page reminder.
• Read with a teacher. Ghunnah and ikhfa are about sound, which is hard to judge alone. Our Tajweed course teaches them live and one to one.

Common mistakes

• Saying a clear noon before ikhfa letters, which should be hidden.
• Holding the hum too long or too short. About two counts is the usual guide.
• Pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth during ikhfa.
• Applying idgham when the noon and the next letter are in the same word.

Ready to hear it done properly?

Reading these rules is only half of learning them. Book a free trial class and read a page aloud so a teacher can listen to your ghunnah and tell you which rules to work on first. New to Tajweed? Start with the beginner's guide to Tajweed rules.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between noon sakinah and tanween?

A noon sakinah is a written noon with a sukoon. Tanween is a doubled vowel at the end of a word that is read with a noon sound. They follow the same four rules.

How long is ghunnah held?

Ghunnah, the nasal hum, is normally held for about two counts, roughly the time of two short vowels. Your teacher will help you hear the right length.

Which noon sakinah rule has the most letters?

Ikhfa has the most letters, with 15. Izhar and idgham have six each, and iqlab has one.

Can I learn these rules without a teacher?

You can learn the letters and the names from charts and quizzes, but the sound of ghunnah and ikhfa is best checked by a teacher who can listen to you recite.