What is Izhar in Tajweed? Types, Rules and Examples

The rules of tajweed are very important. There are too many rules that we must study and try to apply as much as possible. The basic rules are that we aren’t allowed to miss it when we recite the Qura’n. All we need to know is how to pronounce verses correctly without any mistakes. As we know tajweed, the art of proper pronunciation and recitation of the Qur’an, is an essential aspect of Quranic study and practice.One of these basic rules is Izhar. Izhar is considered as the first rule in the noon sakinah rules. We will talk about “What is the meaning of Izhar?” “ How should we apply it?” “Is it related to a certain group of letters or not?”

Before going through the content, we must know that Izhar reminds us of the responsibility entrusted to every muslim to recite the Quran correctly and reverently. By continuously striving to learn and apply Tajweed rules such as Izhar, we deepen our connection with the words of Allah and preserve His message for generations to come.

Now, we are going to answer all these questions in this article. 

What is the meaning of Izhar?

Among the several rules that carried out the articulation of Arabic letters, Izhar is a basic rule that ensures the clear and accurate pronunciation of certain letters when they follow a noon saakinah (نْ) or tanween (double vowels like ٌ ٍ ً). It means to pronounce letters of  Izhar from their articulation points without ghunnah (i.e. nasal twang). It means to pronounce letters of Izhar from their articulation points without ghunnah (i.e. nasal twang). The term “Izhar” translates to “clear pronunciation,” and it requires reciters to pronounce these letters distinctly, without nasalization or merging. Understanding and applying the Izhar rule is crucial for maintaining the precision and accuracy of Quranic recitation. This article includes  the specifics of Izhar, its application, and its significance in preserving the clarity of the Qur’an’s phonetic structure.

What are the rules of Izhar?

Izhar is a rule in Tajweed that refers to the clear and distinct pronunciation of the letter noon saakinah (نْ) or tanween. when followed by certain specific letters. The term Izhar itself means “to make clear” or “to reveal,” indicating that the noon sound should be articulated clearly without nasalization or merging with the next letter.

Izhar is important because it helps maintain the clarity of the recitation. When reciting the Qur’an, it is essential to observe the rules of Tajweed to preserve the correct pronunciation and meaning of the words. Izhar differs from other rules, ensuring that the noon sound doesn’t get hidden, merged, or incorrectly pronounced, preserving the beauty and precision of the recitation. 

Conditions for Izhar:

Izhar applies when the noon saakinah (نْ) or tanween (ٌ ٍ ً) is followed by one of the six specific letters. These letters are called the “Izhar letters.” When this occurs, the noon sound is pronounced fully and clearly, without being merged or nasalized.

What are Izhar Letters?

The following six letters are the letters of Izhar:

1. أ (Alif)
2. ه (Ḥaā’)
3. ع (Ayn)
4. غ (Ghayn)
5. خ (Khaa)
6. ح (Haa’)

Examples Of Izhar From Quran

• Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah     “Tanween followed by Ayn”  ”وَصَدٌّ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ”

• Say: “Allah is certainly Able to send down a sign, but most of them know not. “Tanween followed by Ayin” “قُلْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَادِرٌ عَلَىٰ أَن يُنَزِّلَ آيَةً”
• It is not but a revelation revealed “Noon sakinah followed by Ḥaā’” “إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ”

What are the Types of Izhar in Quran?

There are two types of Izhar in tajweed rules

1. Al-Izhar Al-Halqi
2. Al-Izhar Al-Shafawi

1. Al-Izhar Al-Halqi

This is the primary type of Izhar, where the noon saakinah or tanween is followed by one of the six throat letters (أ, ه, ع, غ, خ, ح). May be found in one independent word like Yan’awna , Yanhawna, Al-An‘ām, Al-Munkhaniqah; or in two consecutive words like Man ‘Aṭā, Man Ḥajar, Min Ghisalīn, Qawlan Ghayra, ‘Azīzūn Ḥakīm, Laṭīfun Khabīr.

Reason why it is labeled as Halqi is because these very letters of Izhar are articulated from the Halq (i.e. the throat).

Reason for making Izhar is the long distance between the two articulation points, since Nūn Sakinah and Tanwin come out from the very tip of the tongue while these six letters come out from the throat.

Mark of Al-Izhar Al-Halqi in the Mushaf

As for Noon Sakinah, a head of a small Khaā’ letter (without a dot) is placed above the Noon Sakinah. And for Tanwin, two similar diacritic marks are attached to each other, as follows: ً, ٌ, ٍ.

 

2. Al-Izhar Al-Shafawi

This rule is applied when one of the remaining 26 letters comes after the Meem Sakinah either in one word or in two words – a case under which Iẓhār Shafawi must applied.

Examples for Izhar Shafawi in one word: 

• Wa A’slamtu Ma‘ Sulaymān, “and I submit (in Islam, together with Sulaiman (Solomon)” (Meem followed by Ta’) “وَأَسْلَمْتُ مَعَ سُلَيْمَانَ” سورة : النمل –  “44”An-Naml

• Yamḥū Allahu Mā Yashaā’,  “Allah blots out what He wills and confirms (what He wills).” (Meem followed by Haā) “يَمْحُو اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاءُ” سورة : الرعد – Ar-Ra’d
• Al-Ḥamdu Li Allah,  “All the praises and thanks be to Allah” (Meem followed by Dal) “الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ” سورة : الكهف – Al-Kahf”1″
• Lā Tamshi Fi Al-Arḍ Maraḥa. “And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance.” (Meem followed by Shen” “وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا” سورة : الإسراء – Al-Isra”37″

Examples for Izhar Shafawi in two words: 

• Kuntum Amwātan,  “Meem sakinah followed by Hamzah” “وَكُنتُمْ أَمْوَاتًا”
• I’laykum Dhikra,  “Meem sakinah followed by Zal” إِلَيْكُمْ ذِكْرًا”
• I’nna Ilāhakum La-Wāḥed.  “Meem sakinah followed by Laam” “إِنَّا إِلَيْكُمْ لَمُرْسَلُونَ”

Izhar Shafawi is realized through bringing the two lips together on the articulation point of the Meem letter.

Reason why it is labeled under this name:

•       Shafawi (orally): because the Meem Sakinah comes out of the two lips.
•       Izhar: because the articulation points of the remaining 26 letters at which the Meem letter should be clearly pronounced are many.  “All the Letters except  ( “ب” ,“م“ ).    

However, Izhar Shafawi is generally less commonly discussed in the context of Tajweed because it occurs rarely compared to Izhar Halqi, and it is sometimes considered under the broader classification of Izhar.

Be careful!

When the Waw letter or the Faā’ letter comes after the Meem Sakinah, we should be very careful to clearly pronounce it, since the Meem letter shares the same articulation point of the Wāw letter and is also close to that of the Faā’ letter, and thus the tongue might mistakenly hasten to merge them with each other or even conceal the Meem letter.

How to differentiate Izhar and other rules? 

There are two ways to differentiate, first is according to the sound of the noon, second with the letters following:

• First type is according to the sound of the Noon,

 Izhar differs from other Tajweed rules such as:

1. Idgham (where the noon sound is merged with the following letter),
2. Ikhfaa (where the noon sound is partially hidden with a slight nasal sound), and
3. Iqlab (where the noon sound changes to a “meem” sound before the letter “ba’”).

The Second type is according to the letters following:

1. Idgham (where the noon is followed by the letters: “Ya’, Ra’, Meem, Laam, Waw, Noon”),
2. Ikhfaa (where the noon is followed by the letters: “15 letters, that is, Ṣād, Dhāl, Thaā’, Kāf, Jīm, Shīn, Qāf, Sīn, Dāl, Ṭaā’, Zay, Faā’, Taā’, Ḍad and Ẓaā’ )
3. Iqlab (where the noon is followed by the letter “ba’”).

10 Tips to be perfect in Izhar rules

To be perfect in Izhar rules, consistent practice and focused effort are essential. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve mastery:

1. Understand the Basics of Izhar: Learn the definition: Izhar means “clarity” or “making clear.” It involves pronouncing the noon sakinah (نْ) or tanween clearly without nasalization or merging with the following letter, Know the Izhar letters
2. Practice Letter Articulation (Makharij): Focus on learning the precise points of articulation (makharij) for the throat letters, and use a mirror to observe your mouth and throat movements while practicing.
3. Listen and Imitate Experts: Listen to recordings of skilled Qur’an reciters known for their precise Tajweed, and imitate their pronunciation of Izhar and compare it to your own recitation.
4. Use Audio-Visual Tajweed Resources: Watch Tajweed tutorials that demonstrate the application of Izhar, also apps and online tools can also guide you with visual and audio aids.
5. Practice with a Teacher: Recite to a qualified Tajweed teacher who can correct your mistakes and provide feedback.
6. Apply Slowly and Gradually: Practice Izhar examples from the Qur’an. For instance:

• “أَنْعَمْتَ” (Surah Al-Fatiha: 7)
• “مِنْ عَذَابٍ” (Surah Al-Baqara: 49)

Start with short verses, then progress to longer ones.

7. Focus on Common Mistakes: Avoid nasalization (ghunnah) when reciting Izhar letters, and be cautious not to merge (idgham) or hide (ikhfa) the sound when Izhar is required.

8. Consistency is Key: Dedicate time daily to practice Tajweed, specifically focusing on Izhar application.

9. Seek Feedback Regularly: Regularly test your recitation with knowledgeable individuals or teachers to ensure continuous improvement.

10. Make Dua for Success: Recite with sincerity and ask Allah for guidance and success in perfecting Tajweed.

With patience and dedication, you can perfect the rule of Izhar and enhance your overall Qur’anic recitation.

Conclusion

 In the science of Tajweed, the rule of Izhar plays a vital role in ensuring the proper pronunciation and clarity of the Qur’anic recitation. By understanding and applying Izhar, one fulfills a fundamental aspect of Tajweed: articulating letters distinctly and without merging or altering their natural qualities. This not only preserves the authenticity of the Qur’anic text but also enhances the beauty and impact of its recitation.

Mastering Izhar requires diligent practice, attentiveness to the makharij (points of articulation), and an understanding of the letters involved in its application. It emphasizes the reciter’s commitment to maintaining the linguistic integrity of the Quran, as well as their devotion to perfecting their worship.