Lam Qamariyyah

What is Lam Qamariyyah?

When the definite article al- is attached to a word beginning with a lunar letter, the Lam is pronounced clearly with a sukoon and is not merged into the following letter. The fourteen lunar (qamariyyah) letters are: Hamzah, Ba, Jim, Ha (from the chest), Kha, 'Ayn, Ghayn, Fa, Kaf, Qaf, Mim, Ha (the light h), Waw, and Ya. In the mushaf the Lam of the definite article is written with a sukoon in these cases, which is the visual clue distinguishing them from the solar cases. Together the solar and lunar letters cover all letters of the alphabet exactly once. This is the complementary case to Lam Shamsiyyah in many curricula. The rule is a practical guide to production and listening and is best learned in context with a qualified reciter.

When does it occur?

It occurs when the Lam of the definite article (al-) is followed by one of the fourteen lunar letters: Hamzah, Ba, Jim, Ha, Kha, 'Ayn, Ghayn, Fa, Kaf, Qaf, Mim, Ha, Waw, or Ya.

Which letters are involved?

How is it pronounced?

The sound stays clear and is not absorbed into the following letter in the same way as in the solar-letter case.

Examples

Quran quotations are shown only after the Arabic text, verse reference, highlighting, and Tajweed annotation have been checked. Until then, use the clearly labelled teaching examples below and confirm recitation with a qualified teacher.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming the Lam case is decided by the word letters alone.
• Forgetting the distinction between clear and assimilated cases.

Important Differences

Remember

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.

1. How is Lam Qamariyyah distinguished from Lam Shamsiyyah?
2. Why does the following letter matter here?

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources