tajweed-rules-with-pictures-examples | the strength, Softness, and Moderation
This articulation point affects the vocal cords and the degree of their vibration, controlling the level of obstruction to the air carrying the sound…
Therefore, the distinct form of each sound is determined by:
- The degree of vibration in the vocal cords, based on the strength or weakness of the reader’s reliance on the articulation point (related to the characteristics of Jahr and Hams).
2. The extent of obstruction to the airflow, depending on the nature of the articulation point and its level of closure.
3. Tongue positioning for Tafkhīm and Tarqīq letters: the intentional raising (Tafkhīm) or lowering (Tarqīq) of the back of the tongue when pronouncing heavy or light letters.
4. Articulation Point (Makhraj): The precise location in the mouth or throat where a letter is produced.
We now begin with the characteristics of Strength, Softness, and Moderation:
1. The strength(Ash-Shidda)
Definition:
- Linguistically: the strength.
- Terminologically:The complete stoppage of sound when pronouncing the letter due to full reliance on its articulation point, causing both ends of the articulation point to close completely, thereby fully obstructing the sound.
Its Letters (8 in total):
Hamza (ء), Jeem (ج), Dal (د), Qaf (ق), Taa (ط), Baa (ب), Kaf (ك), Taa (ت).
Memorized in the phrase:
“أَجِدُ قِطّ بَكَت”
Reason for the Name:
Because the letter is “strong” at its articulation point, due to the forceful collision of both ends during pronunciation, which prevents the sound from flowing.
Rights of Strong Letters:
The sound must be completely stopped during pronunciation.
Duration: They should be pronounced with a short duration.
2. Softness (Ar-Rakhāwa)
Definition:
- Linguistically: Gentleness.
- Terminologically: The flow of sound when pronouncing the letter due to weak reliance on the articulation point and weak containment of sound within it.
Its Letters (16 in total):
Faa (ف), Haa (ح), Thaa (ث), Haa (ه), Sheen (ش), Khaa (خ), Saad (ص), Seen (س), Thaal (ذ), Zaa (ز), Daad (ض), Dhaa (ظ), Ghayn (غ), Alif (ا), Waw (و), Yaa (ي) (whether as leen letters or elongating (madd) letters).
Reason for the Name:
Because their articulation points are “soft” (open), and due to weak reliance on them, they cannot prevent sound from flowing.
Right of Soft Letters: Sound must flow when pronouncing them.
Duration: A longer duration during pronunciation.
3. Moderation (At-Tawassut)
Definition:
- Linguistically: Balance.
- Terminologically: A moderate sound during pronunciation, between full stoppage and complete flow — i.e., between full strength and full softness.
Its Letters (5 in total):
Laam (ل), Noon (ن), Ain (ع), Meem (م), Raa (ر).
Memorized in the phrase:
“لِنْ عُمُر”
Reason for the Name:
Because these letters occupy a middle ground between strength and softness, allowing some sound to pass through.
Right of Moderate Letters: The sound flows, but not completely.
Duration: Moderate — between that of strong and soft letters.
Summary Table:
Characteristic | Definition | Letters | Sound Behavior | Duration | Phrase for Memorization |
the strength (Ash – Shidda) | Complete stoppage of sound | ء, ج, د, ق, ط, ب, ك, ت | Sound is fully blocked. | Short | “أَجِدُ قِطّ بَكَت” |
Softness (Ar-Rakhāwa) | Sound flows freely | ف, ح, ث, ه, ش , خ, ص , س, ذ, ز, ض, ظ, غ, ا, و, ي | Sound flows fully. | Long | (All remaining letters not in Strength and Moderation) |
Moderation (At -Tawassut) | Sound partially flows . | ل , ن , ع, م, ر | Sound flows partially (incompletely). | Moderate (in-between) | “لِنْ عُمُر” |
