Definition of the Silent Nun and Tanween
The silent nun is defined as a nun that is devoid of the three vowels. It can appear in nouns, verbs, and letters, and may be found in both medial and final positions. The silent nun remains consistent across all forms, both in pronunciation and writing, whether joined or separated. On the other hand, tanween refers to an additional nun that is not part of the word’s structure; it only appears in final positions and is stable only in connected and spoken forms.
Rules for the Silent Nun and Tanween in Surah Al-Kahf
Below are examples illustrating the rules concerning the silent nun and tanween as found in Surah Al-Kahf:
Examples of Clear Pronunciation (Izhhar)
- مِن عِلمٍ.
- مِن أَمرِنا.
- مِنها.
- خَيرٌ عِندَ.
- شَيئًا إِمرًا.
- أَن أَعيبَها.
- سَفينَةٍ غَصبًا.
- عَينٍ حَمِئَةٍ.
Examples of Complete Merging with Ghunnah
- شَديدًا مِن.
- لَن نَدعُوَ.
- خَيرًا مِنها.
- شَيئًا نُكرًا.
- خَيرًا مِنهُ.
Examples of Incomplete Merging with Ghunnah
- مالًا وَوَلَدًا.
- أَن يُؤتِيَنِ.
- إِن يَقُولُونَ.
- صَغيرَةً وَلا.
- جِدارًا يُريدُ.
- زَكاةً وَأَقرَبَ.
- إِلـهٌ واحِدٌ.
Examples of Merging without Ghunnah
- مِن لَدُنهُ.
- مِن رَحمَتِهِ.
- مَثَلًا رَجُلَينِ.
- صَفًّا لَقَد.
- مِدادًا لِكَلِماتِ.
Examples of Inversion (Iqlaab)
- رَجمًا بِالغَيبِ.
- عَدُوٌّ بِئسَ.
- زَكِيَّةً بِغَيرِ.
Examples of Concealment (Ikhfa)
- صَعيدًا جُرُزًا.
- فَلَن تَجِدَ.
- فَليَنظُر.
- مِنكَ.
- مِن دونِهِ.
- إِن شاءَ.
- مِن كُلِّ.
- انفُخوا.
Rules for the Silent Nun and Tanween
The rules pertaining to the silent nun and tanween can be categorized into four primary types:
Clear Pronunciation (Izhhar Halqi)
Clear pronunciation is identified as the clear articulation of the letter without the influence of strong nasal resonance. This means that the silent nun or tanween is pronounced distinctly from its point of articulation without any heavy nasal emphasis. The letters involved are: (ا, هـ, ع, غ, ح, خ). This rule is applied because these letters are distanced from the point of articulation of the nun, making clear pronunciation necessary due to the separation.
Merging (Idghaam)
Merging involves the blending of the silent nun or tanween when followed by specific letters, causing them to become a single, stressed letter. The letters categorized under merging can be recalled using the phrase “Yarmaloon.” The reason for this merging is the similarity in articulation with the nun and the closeness to other letters. Merging occurs only between two words, and can be divided further into complete merging (with letters: ي, ن, م, و) and incomplete merging (with letters: ل, ر). Complete merging corresponds to the letters (ن, ر, م, ل), while incomplete merging belongs to (ي, و). If merging occurs within a single word, the only applicable rule is that of absolute clear pronunciation, exemplified by specific words such as (الدنيا, قنوان, صنوان, بنيان).
Inversion (Iqlaab)
Inversion refers to the transformation of the silent nun or tanween into a meem while maintaining a two-beat nasal resonance when followed by the letter ب. This can occur within a single word or across two words. Inversion occurs due to the significant separation in articulation points which prevents merging or clear pronunciation; it was chosen to use meem as it shares an articulation point with ب and offers a nasal resonance common to النون.
Concealment (Ikhfa)
Concealment is defined as subtly pronouncing the silent nun or tanween, representing a state that lies between merging and clear pronunciation, but is articulated without strong emphasis and maintains a two-beat resonance. The letters involved are those that have not been mentioned in the previous examples, comprising a total of fifteen letters.