In Tajweed [the science and art of reciting the Quran properly], “Izhar” is a fundamental phonology phenomenon. “Izhar” is vital to Tajweed for preserving the integrity of the Quranic recitation and guaranteeing that the meaning of the verses is faithfully delivered. Izhar has four main types. One of these types is Izhar Shafawi.
In this article, we will learn the meaning and the letters of Izhar Shafawi. Then, we will introduce some examples of Izhar Shafawi from the Quran, both when it occurs in one word and two words. Also, Izhar Shafawi has certain rules that need to be understood and followed. So we will explore its main rules.
Table of Contents
What Is Izhar Shafawi?
Izhar Shafawi is the type of Izhar that has to do with Meem Sakinah only. it is one of the vital Tajweed rules that many Muslims are keen to learn. Meem Sakinah (static Meem) refers to a Meem (م) with a Sukon (ْ) above it or with nothing above or under it. It can take place in the middle or end of any Arabic word.
If Meem Sakinah is followed by any letter except Baa (ب) and Meem (م), it is pronounced clearly as a voiced Meem [م] without Ghunnah. This rule, in Tajweed, is called Izhar Shafawi. It is noteworthy that it is called Shafawi (from the lips) as it is pronounced by the lips.
An Example From The Quran:
“وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمَ خَلَقَهَا ۗ لَكُمْ فِيهَا دِفْءٌۭ وَمَنَـٰفِعُ وَمِنْهَا تَأْكُلُونَ”
In this verse, the word “لكم” end with Meem Sakinah (م) and the following sound in the next word “فيها” is ف, so the Meem (م) sound is clear and voiced.
Letters Of Izhar Shafawi
The letters of Izhar Shafawi are all the letters of the Arabic alphabet except Baa (ب) and Meem (م). So 26 Arabic letters, in total, make the Meem Sakinah sound clear if they come after it. They can immediately follow the Meem Sakinah in the same word or come after it in the following word.
Examples Of Izhar Shafawi
Examples of Izhar Shafawi are actually hard to count in the Quran. Now, let’s see some examples of this ruling:
Examples Of Izhar Shafawi In One Word:
“وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا تَكُن فِى ضَيْقٍۢ مِّمَّا يَمْكُرُونَ”
“فَلْيُمْلِلْ وَلِيُّهُ”
“وَلَا تَكْتُمُوا۟ ٱلشَّهَـٰدَةَ ۚ وَمَن يَكْتُمْهَا فَإِنَّهُۥٓ ءَاثِمٌۭ قَلْبُهُ”
In these three examples, we can see the Meem Sakinah occurring before the letters Kaf (كـ), Lam (ل) and Haa (هـ), respectively, all in one word. The latter ones are not Baa (ب) or Meem (م). So the Meem Sakinah is voiced.
Examples Of Izhar Shafawi In Two Words:
“يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ ٱللَّهِ”
“هُمْ نَاسِكُوهُ”
“وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمْ هُودًۭا”
In the above-mentioned examples, we can see the Meem Sakinah occurring before the letters Kaf (كـ), Noon (ن) and Haa (هـ), respectively, but in two words. These three letters are not Baa (ب) or Meem (م). So the Meem Sakinah is voiced.
Read more about: Izhar (Idhhar) – Types, Letters, Rules, And Examples
What Are The Rules Of Izhar Shafawi?
There are a number of rules that govern Izhar Shafawi in Tajweed. These are easy to remember, especially if you study them with examples from the Quran. They include:
1- How Is Meem Sakinah Pronounced?
Meem Sakinah is pronounced by applying both lips tightly to each other for about two Harakat [one Haraka is equal to one finger count] so that Meem Sakinah is distinctly voiced without any nasalization or merging and the following letter is pronounced properly.
2- There Is No Ghunnah With Izhar Shafawi:
When applying Izhar Shafawi ruling, It is forbidden to make a Ghunnah [a nasal sound that is produced when someone utters the sound of the letter (Noon – ن) or the letter (Meem – م) from the nose for approximately two Harakat].
Example From The Quran:
“وَهُمْ صَـٰغِرُونَ”
Here, Meem Sakinah is followed by the letter Sad (ص), so it is voiced with no Ghunnah.
3- Special Pronunciation With The Letters Waw (و) And Faa (ف):
Within the Izhar Shafawi ruling, the Meem sound must be more clear and voiced when it is followed by the letters Waw (و) and Faa (ف).
That’s because these specific two sounds [Waw and Faa] are close to the Meem in their articulation point. So the reciter must be careful to recite both letters separately and clearly when they follow Meem Sakinah.
Examples From The Quran:
“أَمْوَٰتٌ غَيْرُ أَحْيَآءٍۢ”
“وَيَتَوَلَّوا۟ وَّهُمْ فَرِحُونَ”
In these two examples, the Meem Sakinah occurs before the letters Waw (و) and Faa (ف), respectively. So the Meem sound must be more clear and voiced
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Conclusion
To sum up, the ruling of Izhar Shafawi is vital in Tajweed, as it highlights the importance of pronouncing letters properly to maintain the integrity and beauty of the Quran recitation, fostering a clear understanding of the text and enhancing the overall recitation experience. So learning its rules is the way to perfecting it, and patience is the key to learning.
