Izhar

Quick Facts

Level: Essential
Category: Noon and Tanween
When it occurs: It occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of ء ه ع ح غ خ.
Letters involved: ء · ه · ع · ح · غ · خ

Understand the rule

In the Noon Sakinah and Tanween family, Izhar is the case in which the Noon or tanween sound remains clear and is not merged, concealed, or changed. The condition depends on the following letter: when it is one of the six throat letters — Hamzah (ء), Haa (ه), Ayn (ع), Haa (ح), Ghayn (غ), or Khaa (خ) — the Noon is pronounced clearly. The two letters ه and ح are distinct sounds; learn their contrast with a teacher. These six letters are the entire Izhar set, and memorizing them lets the learner rule out the merging, concealment, and change cases. This rule is best learned by identifying the trigger first and then listening to a reliable demonstration of what clear pronunciation sounds like.

When does it occur?

It occurs when Noon Sakinah or Tanween is followed by one of ء ه ع ح غ خ.

Which letters are involved?

ءهعحغخ

How is it pronounced?

The sound stays clear, without merging or concealment, and should be reproduced with a precise opening of the sound according to qualified instruction.

Listening guidance Written explanations support recognition. Use an approved recitation and teacher feedback for sound, timing, and articulation.

Examples

The examples below are clearly labelled teaching examples and are not from the Quran. Use them to notice the rule, then confirm your recitation with a qualified teacher.

Draft teaching examples - not Quran quotations:

مِنْ هَادٍ min hādin (from a guide) — Not from the Quran

Common Mistakes

Turning a clear Noon into an Idgham or Ikhfa case by mistake.
Adding an artificial sound or pause where none belongs.

Connect this lesson

Idgham

Idgham is the merging of Noon Sakinah or Tanween into the next word when it begins with one of the six letters in يَرْمَلُونَ. Recognised exceptions are taught separately.

Open lesson: Idgham

Ikhfa

Ikhfa is the partial concealment of Noon Sakinah or Tanween with a nasal sound when the following letter is one of the fifteen letters that are neither Izhar nor Idgham nor Iqlab letters.

Open lesson: Ikhfa

Iqlab

Iqlab is the changing of Noon Sakinah or Tanween into a Meem sound when the following letter is Baa, pronounced with ghunnah.

Open lesson: Iqlab

Remember

Six throat letters make the Noon clear: ء ه ع ح غ خ. Keep ه and ح distinct.

Practice

Try to identify the trigger first, say the sound slowly, then listen and repeat. Short, accurate practice is more useful than rushing through many examples.

How can the learner recognize Izhar before choosing another rule?
What is the difference between Izhar and Idgham?

Check your understanding

Question 1 of 2

1/2

understanding

Which definition does this lesson give for Izhar?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Izhar only a name, or does it affect the sound?

It affects the sound and the learner should hear the difference from a verified reciter.

Sources and review notes

Tajweed Rules Reference

What still needs review?

The exact letter set and terminology must be checked against a recognized source before this is accepted as final.

A reference records the source used for study; it does not mean the source author approved this lesson.

Important Note

Tajweed is best learned through both understanding and listening. Written explanations can help you understand the rules, but correct pronunciation, timing, and articulation are best learned by listening to a qualified reciter or teacher and practicing along with them.

For the best results, combine reading, listening, repetition, and guidance from a qualified Tajweed teacher.