Meem Sakinah
Izhar Shafawi
A meem sakinah followed by any letter other than ب or م is pronounced clearly, with no nasal sound held.
إظهار شفوي
Scope
When it applies
- All letters except ب and م
Method
How to pronounce it
Close the lips for the meem and release cleanly into the next letter. Take particular care before و and ف, where the lips are already involved.
Examples
Worked examples
Each is cited so you can find it in the mushaf and check it yourself.
| Reference | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1:7 | عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ | Clear meem before ghayn. |
| 2:7 | قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَى | Clear meem before waw — a common slip. |
Honestly
Common mistakes
- Letting the meem hum before و or ف because the lips are already close.
- Shortening the meem so it is barely heard.
Related
Other rules in this group
Rules are learned by ear, not by list
A tutor hears the sound you are making and corrects it. That is the part a written rule cannot do.
Free trial
Ask a tutor about this
Tell us a little about the student and when suits you, and we will match a tutor. If you would rather ask something first, WhatsApp reaches the same people.
- A real lesson at a time you choose, not a sales call.
- Male or female teacher, in the language you ask for.
- No payment details, and no obligation to continue.
Before you book
Questions about this rule
What is Izhar Shafawi?
A meem sakinah followed by any letter other than ب or م is pronounced clearly, with no nasal sound held.
Which letters does Izhar Shafawi apply to?
All letters except ب and م — 1 letter in total.
How is Izhar Shafawi applied?
Close the lips for the meem and release cleanly into the next letter. Take particular care before و and ف, where the lips are already involved.
What mistakes are common with Izhar Shafawi?
Letting the meem hum before و or ف because the lips are already close. and Shortening the meem so it is barely heard.. These are the reason the rule is learned with a tutor listening rather than from a written description.
Do you teach Tajweed in lessons?
Yes, one to one with a tutor matched to the age and level of the student. The free trial is a real lesson and ends with a written assessment, with no payment details asked for.
If your question is not here, ask it. We would rather answer honestly now than have you find out after enrolling.
Meet the tutor before deciding anything
The trial is a real lesson with an assessment at the end. No payment details, and no obligation to continue.
A real lesson with a tutor, not a sales call. No payment details.