Quick answer: When a noon with a sukoon (نْ) or tanween (double vowel marks: ً ٍ ٌ) is followed by certain letters, there are four ways to read it:
- Izhar (clear): read the noon clearly before the six throat letters.
- Idgham (merge): merge the noon into the next letter (ي ر م ل و ن).
- Iqlab (change): turn the noon into a hidden meem before ب.
- Ikhfa (hide): hide the noon with a nasal sound before the remaining 15 letters.
By Hafiz Azhar, Quran teacher at Quran Specialist Online. Hifz-ul-Quran, 6-year Alim course, 2-year Tajweed course, 7 years of teaching experience.
These four rules come up on almost every line of the Quran, so they’re usually some of the first Tajweed rules children learn once they can read joined words. Here’s how I explain them to kids, with tips parents can use at home.
First: what are noon sakinah and tanween?
- Noon sakinah is the letter ن with a sukoon (a small circle) on top: نْ. It has no vowel of its own.
- Tanween is a doubled vowel mark at the end of a word (ً ٍ ٌ). It sounds like an extra “n” at the end, even though no noon is written.
Since both make an “n” sound, they follow the same four rules. What decides the rule is the letter that comes next.
Rule 1: Izhar (make it clear)
When: the next letter is one of the six throat letters: ء ه ع ح غ خ.
How: say the “n” clearly, with no extra nasal hum and no merging.
Kid-friendly cue: “Throat letters are far away from the nose, so the ‘n’ stays clear.”
Example: مَنْ ءَامَنَ: the noon is read clearly before the hamzah.
Rule 2: Idgham (merge it)
When: the next letter is one of ي ر م ل و ن. A popular way to remember them is the word يَرْمَلُون (yarmaloon).
How: the “n” merges into the next letter.
- With ghunnah (a nasal hum) before ي ن م و
- Without ghunnah before ل ر
Kid-friendly cue: “The noon jumps into the next letter’s seat.”
Example: مِن رَّبِّهِمْ: the noon merges into the ر with no nasal sound.
Note: There’s a small exception your teacher will cover, when the noon and the next letter are in the same word (as in ٱلدُّنْيَا). In that case the noon is read clearly.
Rule 3: Iqlab (change it)
When: the next letter is ب. It’s the only letter for this rule.
How: the “n” turns into a light “m” sound, with the lips gently closed and a nasal hum. In many Mushafs, a small meem (م) is printed above the noon as a reminder.
Kid-friendly cue: “Noon meets ba, and turns into meem.”
Example: مِنۢ بَعْدِ: read like “mim-ba’di,” with a nasal hum.
Rule 4: Ikhfa (hide it)
When: the next letter is any of the remaining 15 letters: ت ث ج د ذ ز س ش ص ض ط ظ ف ق ك.
How: the “n” is neither fully clear nor fully merged. It’s hidden in a nasal hum, with the tongue getting ready for the next letter.
Kid-friendly cue: “The noon is shy, so it hides in the nose.”
Example: مِن قَبْلِ: the noon is hidden, with a nasal hum, before the ق.
Quick summary table
| Rule | Next letter(s) | What happens | Nasal hum? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Izhar | ء ه ع ح غ خ | Clear “n” | No |
| Idgham | ي ر م ل و ن | Merge into the next letter | With ي ن م و, not with ل ر |
| Iqlab | ب | Becomes a hidden “m” | Yes |
| Ikhfa | The other 15 letters | Hidden “n” | Yes |
How long is the nasal hum?
In Idgham with ghunnah, Iqlab and Ikhfa, the ghunnah is usually held for about two counts. Kids can tap two fingers as they say it. Try the “nose test”: gently pinch the nose, and if the sound stops, the ghunnah is coming from the right place.
Practice tips for home
- One rule a week. Don’t teach all four at once.
- Color code. On a practice sheet (not the Mushaf), circle each noon sakinah or tanween, and color the next letter by rule: for example green for Izhar, blue for Idgham, red for Iqlab and yellow for Ikhfa.
- Rule detective. While your child reads a short surah, pause and ask, “Which rule was that?”
- Start with Juz ‘Amma. Short surahs give lots of examples in a small space.
- Accuracy over speed. Slow, correct reading builds the habit.
How we teach it
At Quran Specialist Online, Tajweed rules are taught in live, one-to-one, 30-minute lessons on Zoom or MS Teams. The teacher hears every word and corrects it on the spot. Lessons are taught in English, female teachers are available, parents can sit in, and you get a monthly written progress report showing which rules are secure.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can kids learn these rules?
Usually once they can read joined words fluently from the Qaida. Younger kids learn the sounds by copying before they learn the names.
What’s the difference between Ikhfa and Idgham?
In Idgham, the noon disappears into the next letter. In Ikhfa, it’s hidden in a nasal sound but not merged.
Does tanween follow exactly the same rules?
Yes. Tanween is read as if it ends with noon sakinah.
Do I need to know Tajweed to help my child practice?
No. You can use the color-coding and “rule detective” games and leave the correcting to the teacher.
How much do classes cost?
USA plans are $35, $48, $60 or $70 a month for 2, 3, 4 or 5 classes a week, with a 7-day free trial and no credit card required.
Want a teacher to check your child’s Tajweed? Book a 7-day free trial. Related: Learn Quran with Tajweed, Makharij explained for parents, Online Quran classes USA.
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