A core element of Tajweed, the science of Quranic recitation, concerns the pronunciation of a meem sakinah (a meem with a sukoon). This area governs how the meem is articulated based on the letter that follows it. For instance, if a baa follows the meem sakinah, a specific rule, known as Ikhfa’ Shafawi, dictates a concealed pronunciation with a nasal sound. This differs from when another meem follows, triggering Idgham Mithlain Sagheer and resulting in a complete merging of the two meem sounds.
Mastery of these pronunciation guidelines ensures accuracy and beauty in the recital of the Holy Quran. Adhering to these prescriptions preserves the integrity of the original text and allows for a deeper connection with its meaning. Historically, transmission of these rules relied heavily on oral tradition, underscoring the importance of learning from qualified instructors to guarantee proper application.
