The Rules of the Letter “L” in Tajweed
The articulation point of the letter “L” is located at the lower edge of the tongue near the canine teeth. In the Quran, the letter “L” appears both as a consonant and a vowel, manifesting in five different forms: the “L” of a noun, the “L” of a verb, the “L” of a particle, the “L” of an imperative, and the “L” of the definite article “Al.” It exhibits the characteristics of both the clear sound (Idgham) and the merging sound (Izaafah) based on its position in various contexts. Below is a detailed explanation of the rules governing the letter “L,” as outlined by scholars of Quranic recitation and Tajweed.
Clear Sound of “L”
The letter “L” is predominantly pronounced clearly in many instances throughout the Quran, including the following examples:
- The letter “L” appears clearly in most nouns, as seen in the words: (ألسنتكم – your tongues, ألْوانكم – your colors). In such cases, the clear sound of “L” is mandatory.
- The letter “L” is articulated clearly in conjunction with the particles: (هل – do/did, بل – but), especially when it meets any other letters in the Arabic alphabet, with the exception of “L” and “R.”
- At the beginning of words, the letter “L” in the definite article “Al” is pronounced clearly when followed by the moon letters, which can be remembered through the phrase: “ابغ حجك وخف عقيمه.” It is also pronounced clearly even when not separated from the noun if succeeded by the letters “A” or “Y,” evident in terms like: (اليسع – Alyasa, الآن – now).
- The letter “L” is pronounced clearly when it appears in the imperative form connected to the present tense verb, exemplified by terms such as: (لْيقطع – let him cut, لْينظر – let him look). In this scenario, clarity is required.
Merging Sound of “L”
In certain situations, the letter “L” merges with other letters, specifically in conjunction with particles, verbs, or when it begins a noun with the definite article “Al.” The following illustrates those cases along with examples:
- The letter “L” in the definite article “Al” merges into a sound when it is followed by solar letters. These consist of fourteen letters, distinct from the moon letters, and it is also merged in certain words that cannot be separated from it, such as: (الذين – those who, اللاتي – those who (feminine), الله – Allah, اللائي – those who (feminine)).
- The letter “L” takes on a merging sound when it is a part of particles like: (هل – do/did, بل – but) when followed by either “L” or “R.” In this situation, it merges using similar sound effects with “L” and proximity with “R.”
- The letter “L” in its quiet form also undergoes merging when succeeded by the letters “L” and “R,” as previously mentioned in the context of particle “L.”
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