The letters noon and meem mushaddad have immense importance in the rules of Tajweed. When Noon or Meem carries a sign Shaddah, the rule of noon Ghunnah is applied as per the rules. Mushaddad is the signature that the reader must produce a sound from the nostrils that has a minimum of two counts while pronouncing the words.
Your effort to follow these criteria not only makes the Quran recitation pleasant but also ensures correctness in following the genuine pronunciation sent down by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
A letter with the Shaddah sign in Arabic script is called a Mushaddad letter. This symbol advises pronouncing the letter with stress, as though it were said twice: once with a Sukoon (Β) and again with a Harakah (vowel). For instance, the word “إِنَّ” has a Shaddah in the Noon; thus, the reciter should apply noon Ghunnah and accentuate it.
The pronunciation of Mushaddad is based on this doubling effect, which also contains particular Tajweed criteria when applied to Noon and Meem.
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Tajweed is of great importance to correctly recite noon and meem mushaddad for the following reasons:
If people do not follow the given meem and noon mushaddad rules and do not understand their importance, then sadly, the Quran has lost its meaning, and it also affects your tajweed.
The main rule for both Noon and Meem Mushaddad is the application of Ghunnah on two counts. Ghunnah is a nasalized sound made with the nose, and it must be used consistently anytime Noon or Meem delivers a Shaddah.
Whether the letter appears in the center or at the end of a word, the reciter must hold the sound for the specified period to ensure it is unique and harmonic.
Every time Noon or Meem has a cap of Shaddah, the nasalized sound known as “ghunnah,” which is formed from the nose, must be used very naturally and with consistency.
The reciter must hold the sound for the specified duration of time, whether the letter is at the beginning or end of a word, to make it clear and melodic.
If you want to understand all the rules beyond Noon & Meem Mushadadh, check out our Complete Guide on Tajweed Rules.
Ghunnah should always accompany the recital of Noon Mushaddad (نّ). When reciting, the sound must be pleasant and sound very natural, coming from the nose instead of the lips or throat. The nasal sound must be kept for two seconds, or it can be said that the period of saying “one-two.” The reciter must maintain a natural flow of nasalization while avoiding exaggeration or melodrama. For example, the Noon in “إِنَّ” is Noon Mushaddad, and Ghunnah is necessary in the verse related to Ghunnah and Noon Mushaddad together.
The Meem Mushaddadh (مّ) is recited with Ghunnah for two counts, as is the case with Noon Mushaddad. When saying “Meem,” your lips will be zipped completely, and after that, the nasal note will be very clear. If you are the reciter, then you have to be very conscious that the pronunciation is clear and does not mix with other letters so that the Ghunnah remains individual and natural. The very common word in the Quran is “ثُمَّ”, the Meem in “ثُمَّ” is Meem Mushaddad, which is compulsory for Ghunnah.
In the Quran, we have many examples of Noon Mushaddad and Meem Mushaddad, which also emphasize the use of Ghunnah.
First we take from our beloved Surah Al-Fatiha: “إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ”, Noon Mushaddad is the Noon in “نَعْبُدُ.”
Then, the noon in “إِنَّا” is noon mushaddad, as stated in the smallest surah of the Quran, Surah Al-Kawthar: “أَعْطَيْنَاكَ”.
And lastly, in Surah Al-Qasas: “ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَاكَ عَلَى شَرِيعَةٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْرِ”, the Meem in “ثُمَّ” and “مِّنَ” is Meem Mushaddad.
The above examples show how important this method is and why it is necessary to follow for all students of Quran.
Each of these requires clear closure of the lips with Ghunnah for two counts. MEEM MUSHADADAH is a very repeated pattern in the Quran. Each word provides an opportunity for students to practice the ghunnah sound.
The above examples show how to focus on the mushaddad rules consistently. Ghunnah is always required at the beginning, middle, and end of a word in Noon Mushaddad.
Feature | Meem, Sakinah. | Noon Mushaddad |
Description | Must follow the rules of Ikhfa Shafawi, Idgham Shafawi, and Izhar Shafawi. | Always be recited with Ghunnah for two counts |
Identity | Sukkon (-) | Shaddah (ّ) |
Chances of presence | Might be present in the middle or end of the verse. | Also, it might be present in the middle or end of the verse. |
Pronunciation | Lightweight and without stress | Stressed with two counts of sound. |
Ghunnah | Depending on the rules. | Always applied |
Ghunnah and Mushaddad are related to each other, so it is very obvious that it also includes Noon and Meem Mushaddad. Ghunnah boosts the fluency and softness in the whole recitation process, and as a result, the recitation will become more pleasant to the ears and rhythmic. Ghunnah makes sure that Quranic recitation remains natural and unique, as it is an ancient Arabic teaching, by keeping the Tajweed rules the same in all centuries. In these situations, Ghunnah is supposed to be a necessary virtue, like wajib (compulsory); hence, recitation without it is considered meaningless. The nasal voice of Ghunnah represents humility in recitation and reflects the spiritual depth and meaning found in Quranic texts.
The research of Noon Mushaddad and Meem Mushaddad shows the level of accuracy involved in Tajweed. The rules of mushaddad focus on ghunnah and their proper pronunciation, and also the authentic sound of the Quran. Noon and Meem Mushaddad appear back-to-back throughout the Quran, making their pronunciation very fruitful and melodious. After following the proper rules and regulations, students not only improve their recitation skills but also strengthen their trust in transmitting the Quran as it was revealed.
Q1. Differentiate between Noon Meem Mushaddad.
Both require Ghunnah; however, Noon Mushaddad involves the tongue, and Meem Mushaddad involves the lips.
Q2: How long should the Ghunnah be held?
It must be held for two counts, neither rushed nor prolonged.
Q3: Is Ghunnah optional for Noon and Meem Mushaddad?
No, it is mandatory in Tajweed.
Q4: Do Sakinah and Mushaddad’s letters differ from one another?
Ans. Yes, Sakinah letters rely on the surrounding letters to determine their rule, but Mushaddad letters have a set Ghunnah rule.
Q5: Why is it important to know about Meem Mushaddad and Noon?
Because of their same presence in the Quran, the fact that it provides accurate and beautiful Tajweed with proper recitation.
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