Have you heard about Meem Sakinah Rules before? Although learning Tajweed may appear difficult, the effort is justified considering its significance and its enormous benefits.
This post aims to make learning the Quran and Tajweed easier by emphasizing and clearly outlining the Meem Sakinah regulations.
Meem Sakinah Rules
Meem Saakin, or Meem Sakinah Rules (مّيمْ سَاكّنَة), is one of the most important Tajweed rules for reciting the Quran. Gaining expertise in these rules is essential for proper pronunciation, aesthetics, and error-free Quranic recitation.
In some situations, the Arabic character "Meem" (م) is shown alongside Sukun (ْ), indicating that it is uttered quietly or without a vowel. Proper articulation when reciting the Quran is ensured by understanding the norms of silent meem, also known as Ahkam Meem Sakinah.
This article will analyze the definition, kinds, and Quranic instances of Meem Sakinah Rules (مِيمْ سَاكِنَة).
What is Meem Sakinah's Meaning?
When holding a Sukoon, the Meem "م" either pauses on it or advances with the Ayah. When the mouth's lips are closed on top of one another, the Meem sound is produced. The Meen Sakinah regulations are hence called "Shafawiyah," which translates to "from the lips" and is reported as "شفتين" in Arabic.
To discover how to learn Tajweed of the Quran and implement its guidelines when reciting the Holy Quran, read this motivational narrative before we explain the three Meem Sakinah rules and regulations.
Meem Saakin Definition
In Arabic, "meem" (م) is called "Meem Saakin" (ميم ساكن) when it has a sukoon (ـْ), meaning that there is no vowel sound following the letter.
The word "saakin" in Arabic phonetics and grammar refers to being quiet or still. Therefore, when the letter "meem" is uttered without a subsequent vowel sound, "Meem Saakin" refers only to that letter.
This idea is crucial to Arabic pronunciation and is necessary to comprehend Arabic word structure and pronunciation.
Acknowledging and using "Meem Saakin" correctly is very important while studying Arabic, reciting the Quran, and reading other Arabic literature.
What Are the Rules of Meem Sakinah?
Three guidelines apply to the Meem Saakin.
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Idgham Shafawi - الادغام الشفوي
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Ikhafa Shafawi - الاخفاء الشفوي
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Izhar Shafawi - الاظهار الشفوي
These will now be described in more detail below.
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Meem Sakinah Rules and Ikhfa Shafawi
When a Meem Saakin (مْ) is followed by the letter Ba (ب), Ikhfa Shafawi will be present. With a faint nasal sound in the nostrils, it will be pronounced for two harakah (two to three seconds).
For instance: ب←مْ
أَفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَم بِهِۦ جِنَّةٌۢ
2. Meem Saakin, Idghaam Shafawi
Idghaam will happen if a Meem Mushaddah (مّ) comes after a Meem Saakin (مْ). In other words, the two Meems will be interpreted via Ghunna (nasalization) once they have been combined.
For instance: مّ←مْ
وَيَجْعَلُونَ لِلَّهِ ٱلْبَنَٰتِ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ ۙ وَلَهُم مَّا يَشْتَهُونَ
3. Meem Saakin's Ithaar Shafawi
If any of the 26 letters other than Ba and Meem appear, Ithaar Shafawi will follow a Meem Saakin (مْ). There will be no Ghunna.
For instance:
Twenty-four←مْ
وَكَذَّبَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَمَا بَلَغُوا۟ مِعْشَارَ مَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمْ فَكَذَّبُوا۟ رُسُلِى
Take a look at: Noon Saakin Rules
What are the steps for identifying the Meem Saakinah rule in Tajweed?
To determine the Meem Sakinah rules in Tajweed, follow these five steps:
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Determine who Meem Saakinah is: With the letter Meem (م), look for the Sukoon symbol, which is (حـ) in mushaf and (ْ) in Arabic script.
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Determine which letter comes next: Ascertain which letter comes after the Meem Saakinah.
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Use the relevant rule: For instance, use the Izhaar Shafawi rule if the next letter is neither ب nor م.
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Use examples to practice: Recite passages from the Quran that contain Meem Saakinah, followed by other letters.
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Ask for advice and criticism: To check your pronunciation, speak with an experienced instructor or use educational materials.
Applying to Alwalid Academy is simple, and we will assign you to qualified instructors who will teach you Tajweed principles so you may practice them right away and fix any errors you make. Join our Quran Memorization Course now.
Learn more about: How to Learn Quran with Tajweed at Home
Examples of Meem Sakinah from the Quran
Meem Sakinah (مْ) is the letter Meem (م) with a sukoon (ْ).
Its pronunciation rule depends on the next letter after it and falls into three Tajweed categories:
Idgham Shafawi, Ikhfa Shafawi, and Izhar Shafawi.
Let’s explore each one with real Quranic examples and explanations
1. Idgham Shafawi (مـ + مـ) – Merging with Ghunnah
Definition:
When a Meem Sakinah (مْ) is followed by another Meem (م), it is merged with it (Idgham) and pronounced with ghunnah (nasal sound) for two counts.
Example 1:
هُمۡ مُّفۡلِحُونَ (hum *mufliḥūn) – Surah Al-Baqarah 2:5
(هُمۡ) ends with Meem Sakinah, and is followed by مُّفۡلِحُونَ.
→ The two Meems merge with ghunnah.
Explanation:
The first Meem (with sukoon) and the second Meem (with shaddah) combine into one prolonged nasal sound — clear and smooth. It’s a full merge, not two distinct sounds.
2. Ikhfa Shafawi (مـ + ب) – Hiding with Ghunnah
Definition:
If Meem Sakinah (مْ) is followed by the letter Baa (ب), it should be pronounced with ikhfa (hidden) — meaning a soft nasal sound without full merging.
Example 2:
تَرۡمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍ (tarmīhim *biḥijārah) – Surah Al-Fil 105:4
(تَرۡمِيهِمْ) ends with Meem Sakinah, followed by بِحِجَارَةٍ
→ Light ghunnah occurs, but the Meem is not fully merged with the Baa.
Explanation:
You don’t pronounce the meem clearly, nor do you merge it. Instead, you “hide” the sound in the nose — a soft nasal vibration before pronouncing Baa.
3. Izhar Shafawi (مـ + any letter except م or ب) – Clear Meem
Definition:
When Meem Sakinah is followed by any other letter except Meem (م) or Baa (ب), it must be pronounced clearly without ghunnah.
Example 3:
فِي قُلُوبِهِمۡۖ مَّرَضٌ (fī qulūbihim *maraḍ) – Surah Al-Baqarah 2:10
(قُلُوبِهِمْ) ends with Meem Sakinah, followed by مَرَضٌ
→ Wait! This is not izhar — it’s another idgham example.
Let’s fix it.
Correct Izhar Example:
فَهُمۡ أَعْدَآءٌ (fahum *aʿdāʾ) – Surah Al-Munāfiqūn 63:4
→ Here, Meem Sakinah in (هُم) is followed by Hamzah (أ)
→ The Meem is pronounced clearly, without merging or nasalization.
Explanation:
No ghunnah. The meem sound stands alone and is crisp and clean before moving to the next letter.
The differences between Meem Sakinah and Noon Sakinah
Meem Sakinah and Noon Sakinah are not the same, as we have seen. A few significant differences exist between them. Some of these are described in the two paragraphs that follow.
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Meem Sakinah rules |
Noon Sakinah |
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Meem Sakinah (م) is Meem with nothing above or beneath it, or with a Sukon (ْ) above it. Above it, or with nothing above or under it, is Sukon (ْ). Its pronunciation varies according on the letter that comes after it. Some Tajweed regulations, such as Izhar, Ikhfaa Shafawi, and Idgham Shafawi, are included. In “أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍۢ” (Quran 106:4), this is an Idgham Shafawi in which Meem Mutahreka (م) comes after Sakinah, the Meem sound at the end of "أطعمهم." Thus, they are combined into a single, tense Meem. |
Noon Sakinah (ن) is what happens when there is a Sukon (ْ) above it or nothing at all. Above it, or with nothing above or under it, is Sukon (ْ). Its pronunciation varies according on the letter that comes after it. Included are a few Tajweed rules, including Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfa. “كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ” (Quran, 29:57). The Noon sound of Tanween in "نفسٍ" is hidden in this instance of Ikhfaa since it is followed by the Ikhfaa letter ذ. There are two Harakats for Ghunnah. |
The differences between Meem saakin and tanween
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Meem saakin: What is it?
A "meem" (م) that is uttered without a vowel sound and has a sukoon (ْ). It might appear at a word's beginning or finish. Depending on the letter that follows, some Tajweed rules specify how to say it (e.g., Ikhfa Shafawi, Idgham Shafawi, Ithar Shafawi).
For instance, the meem in "الْحَمْدُ" (al-hamdu) is saakin.
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Tanween: What is it?
Tanween's alteration of the term is known as "nunation." In some situations, tanween signals terminate a word with the letter "n." Tanween is made up of Dhamma (Raf), double Kasra (Jar), as well as double Fatha (Nasb), which are the two lines above the word and the two lines underneath it.
It is read if Tanween is joined to the subsequent letter; it is not read if Tanween is halted. Tanween's positions in the world are as follows:
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Tanween example:
The term that contains Tanween Al-Fatha is changed to an Alif and halted by prolonging the Alif when a stop is inserted after it.
If the final letter of the word is a Taa Marbutah (ة), Tanween Al-Fath will not have an Alif.
Read our article about: What Is Tanween
Similarities and Differences Between Meem Sakinah and Noon Mushaddadah
Furthermore, Meem Sakinah and Noon Mushaddadah restrictions differ. They are different from one another in several respects.
Although Meem Sakinah and Noon Mushaddad use the Arabic letters "Meem" (م) and "Noon" (ن), respectively, they differ in their basic characteristics and pronunciations. "Noon Mushaddad" refers to a Noon that has a shaddah, a silent "ن".
On the other hand, Meem Sakinah uses a sukoon to signify a Meem. While reciting, both use the nasal sound (ghunnah), although the guidelines and situations are different.
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Similarities
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Ghunnah |
Tajweed Rules |
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A Ghunnah, or nasal sound, is necessary for the pronunciation of Meem Sakinah (in Idgham Shafawi) and Noon Mushaddad. |
Both of these are part of Tajweed, a collection of rules for accurately reciting the Quran. Understanding these rules is necessary for accurate reading. |
Differences
In contrast to Noon Mushaddad, who is a Noon with a Shaddah, Meem Sakinah is a Meem with a Sukoon.
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Rules |
Idgham |
Pronunciation |
For instance |
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Noon Mushaddad only has one rule, the Ghunnah, but Meem Sakinah has three: Ikhfa, Idgham, and Ithar Shafawi. |
In Meem Sakinah, Idgham (merging) happens when another Meem comes after it. However, in Noon Sakinah, Idgham may also happen with other letters like Ya, Noon, Meem, and Waw. |
In Noon Mushaddad, the Ghunnah is applied to every Noon Mushaddad, but in Meem Sakinah, it is exclusive to the Idgham Shafawi norm. |
Examples of Meem Mushaddad include Surah Ad-Duha's "amma" (أَمَّا). "Wa hum bi" (و هم ب) is an example of Meem Sakinah, where the Meem is followed by a Baa (ب), necessitating Ikhfa Shafawi. |
How to Learn Meem Saakinh?
Our Tajweed Course teaches you how to pronounce Meem Sakinah rules, which are essential for flawless Tajweed and Quranic recitation. The following tips can assist you in mastering Meem Sakinah:
1-Recognize Meem Sakinah's Rules
The relevant Tajweed regulations must be understood to learn Meem Sakinah. You can pronounce words correctly if you know how these principles relate to the letter that follows. For more clarity in your recitation, Alwalid Academy may also offer comprehensive materials and courses on these guidelines.
2-Regularly Work on Your Pronunciation
The secret to learning Meem Sakinah is consistent practice. Every day, recite lines that contain Meem Sakinah, being careful to pronounce the Meem distinctly or with a nasal tone. To help you get better at Tajweed, Alwalid Academy offers structured study and practice sessions.
3-Pay Attention to Appropriate Recitations
To learn how to pronounce Meem Sakinah correctly, one must listen to knowledgeable reciters. During the recital, pay attention to how they employ clarity or a nasal tone.
4-Keep Track of and Examine Your Recitations
You may evaluate your pronunciation and pinpoint areas for development by recording your recitations. To assess your accuracy and make improvements, compare your recordings to those of proficient reciters with our Quran Recitation Course.
5-Ask a Study Group or Teacher for Input
Joining a study group or receiving feedback from an instructor are both very beneficial. While a study group offers encouragement and opportunities for collective learning, an instructor may correct your errors. Our Academy offers specialized tuition and one-on-one classes.
You may also receive constructive criticism to help you pronounce Meem Sakinah correctly.
Read about: How to Improve Your Quran Recitation
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Conclusion
Every Muslim should strive to comprehend the Meem Saakin (Ahkam Meem Sakinah) concepts, which are an essential component of Quranic recitation, in our opinion at Alwalid Academy.
Whether by Ikhfaa Shafawi (lip concealment), Idgham Shafawi (lip assimilation), or Izhar Shafawi (lip clarification), Tajweed instructs that the letter Meem must be uttered accurately. Mastering these rules enhances the reciter's spiritual experience and helps them appreciate the beauty of the Quran.
By consistently practicing and maintaining flawless pronunciation, one may confidently recite the Quran with the help of our academy's online Tajweed course. This will earn the blessing of accurately reciting Allah's words and the favor of Allah (SWT).
FAQs
1-What are the three Meem Sakinah rules?
The three core rules are Idgham Shafawi (when Meem meets Meem), Ikhfa Shafawi (Meem before Baa), and Izhar Shafawi (Meem before any other letter).
2-How do I apply Ikhfa Shafawi rule?
Apply Ikhfa Shafawi when a Meem Sakinah (مْ) is followed by Baa (ب): pronounce the meem lightly with a subtle nasal sound and do not fully merge the letters.
3-When is Idgham Shafawi used?
Use Idgham Shafawi when Meem Sakinah (مْ) is followed by another Meem (م) — both merge and are pronounced with ghunnah for two counts.
4-What does Izhar Shafawi mean in tajweed?
Izhar Shafawi occurs when Meem Sakinah (مْ) is followed by any letter other than Meem or Baa, and the meem is pronounced clearly without nasalization or merging.
5-Why are Meem Sakinah rules important?
These rules ensure correct pronunciation, preserve the meaning of Quranic verses, and maintain the musical harmony of recitation with precise Tajweed.
6-How to practice Meem Sakinah correctly?
Practice by identifying Meem Sakinah attacks, reciting examples aloud, and seeking feedback from a qualified Tajweed teacher
7- What is the number of regulations in Mim Sakinah?
There are three Meem Sakinah regulations in all.
8-What does the term Meem Sakinah mean?
It denotes being still or quiet.
9-How many times does the Quran mention Sakinah?
The term for peace, "sakīnah," appears six times in the Qur'an in four distinct tales; however, each time it is used, hardship and hardship are addressed.
10-What distinguishes meem sakinah from noon sakinah?
Noon changes into Meem when it encounters Ba.