The rule of Alif Lam (Arabic: ال) is one of the most important and frequently applied rules in the Arabic language in general and in Tajweed in particular. It governs how the letter “ل” (Lam) of the definite article “ال” is pronounced when it precedes certain Arabic letters. Mastering Alif Lam rule is essential for anyone seeking to improve their Arabic and recite the Quran properly.
In this article, we will discuss the meaning (definition) of Alif Lam. Then, we will tackle the two main types of Alif Lam: Solar and Lunar. After that, we will show a diagram for these two types with examples. Finally, we will discuss in some detail the two basic ways to differentiate between the letters “Alif” and “Lam”: Shape and Function.
Table of Contents
What Does Alif Lam Mean?
“Alif Lam” (ال) is not a word itself but the name of two Arabic letters: Alif (ا) and Lam (ل). In Everyday (Modern Standard) Arabic, ال is the Definite Article. It is the equivalent of the English: “The”. Thus, its main function is to make an indefinite noun definite.
Example:
كتاب = “a book”
الكتاب = “the book”
The first word: “كتاب” is indefinite as it has no “Alif Lam” (ال), while the second one: “الكتاب” is definite as it has “Alif Lam” (ال).
What Are The Two Types Of Alif Lam?
Depending on its definition, the application of the Alif Lam rule in Arabic leads to a crucial distinction based on its behavior and pronunciation, dividing it into two main categories:
- Alif Lam Shamsiyyah (ال الشمسية) – The Solar Lam
- Alif Lam Qamariyyah (ال القمرية) – The Lunar Lam
The Alif Lam rule depends entirely on the letter that comes immediately after the ال. Let’s see below the two main types of Alif Lam in some detail.
1. Alif Lam Shamsiyyah (The Solar Lam):
The rule of Alif Lam Shamsiyyah is that when the definite article “ال” is followed by any of the 14 solar letters (الحروف الشمسية), the “ل” (Lam) sound is not pronounced at all. Instead, the solar letter that follows it is pronounced with emphasis (shaddah/tashdeed).
What are the Solar Letters?
The Solar letters are 14:
ت – ث – د – ذ – ر – ز – س – ش – ص – ض – ط – ظ – ل – ن
Why Are These Letters Called Solar?
These 14 letters are called solar because the L “ل” sound in the Arabic word “الشمس” (the Sun) is dropped. This is exactly what happens with these 14 letters when they follow the L “ل” sound.
How To Pronounce The Solar Lam:
The Solar L sound “ل” is silent. You skip it and double the sound of the solar letter that comes after it.
Examples:
- الشمس (The Sun):
- Written: الشمس
- Pronounced: Ash-shams (not Al-shams) [the L sound is completely dropped]
- الرحمن (The Most Merciful):
- Written: الرحمن
- Pronounced: Ar-raḥmān (not Al-raḥmān)
- النور (The Light):
- Written: النور
- Pronounced: An-nūr (not Al-nūr)
2. Alif Lam Qamariyyah (The Lunar Lam):
The rule of Alif Lam Qamariyyah is that when the definite article ال is followed by any of the 14 lunar letters (الحروف القمرية), the “ل” (Lam) is pronounced clearly.
What are the Lunar Letters:
The Lunar letters are 14:
أ – ب – ج – ح – خ – ع – غ – ف – ق – ك – م – و – هـ – ي
Why Are These Letters Called Lunar?
These 14 letters are called Lunar because the L “ل” sound in the Arabic word “القمر” (the Moon) is clearly pronounced. This is what happens with these 14 Lunar letters when they follow the L sound.
How To Pronounce The Lunar Lam:
The L sound “ل” is fully vocalized.
Examples:
- القمر (The Moon):
o Written: القمر
o Pronounced: Al-qamar (not “A-qmar”) [so the L sound is fully vocalized]
- الكتاب (The Book):
o Written: الكتاب
o Pronounced: Al-kitāb (not “A-kitāb”)
- الهدى (The Guidance)
o Written: الهدى
o Pronounced: Al-hudā (not “A-hudā”)
Experience Riwaq Al Quran Classes
Watch real moments from our live sessions at Riwaq Al Quran and see how we bring learning to life. These clips highlight our interactive, student-focused approach designed to keep learners engaged, motivated, and actively involved in every step of their educational journey.
A Diagram Of Alif Lam Shamsiyyah And Alif Lam Qamariyyah
Below is a summary table that shows the main differences between Alif Lam Shamsiyyah and Alif Lam Qamariyyah (The Solar Lam and the Lunar Lam).
| Category | Lam Pronunciation | Letters | Example Word | Pronunciation |
| Al-Shamsiyyah (Solar) | Not pronounced (merged within the following Solar letter) | ت – ث – د – ذ – ر – ز – س – ش – ص – ض – ط – ظ – ل – ن | الشمس | Ash-shams [the “L” sound is dropped and the following letter: “ش” is stressed (has a shaddah)]. |
| Al-Qamariyyah (Lunar) | Pronounced clearly | أ – ب – ج – ح – خ – ع – غ – ف – ق – ك – م – و – هـ – ي | القمر | Al-Qamar [the “L” sound is kept]. |
How To Differentiate Between Alif And Lam?
Differentiating between the letters Alif (ا) and Lam (ل) in Arabic is fundamental, as they are distinct in both form and function. Here’s a clear guide on how to tell them apart:
1. By Their Shape And Appearance (The Visual Difference):
This is the most straightforward way to differentiate between the letters Alif (ا) and Lam (ل) in Arabic. Let’s see how we can differentiate between them in the following diagram:
| Feature | Alif (ا) | Lam (ل) |
| Basic Shape | A simple, straight, hook-less line | Has a distinct “hook” or curve |
| Visual Comparison | Looks like a standing line: I | Looks like a walking cane or a hook |
| Isolated Form | ا | ل |
| Middle Form | ـا | ـلـ |
| Final Form | ـا | ـل |
2. By Their Function And Role:
Beyond their shape, Alif and Lam serve completely different purposes in a word.
- Alif (ا):
It is primarily used to elongate the sound of a Fatḥah (َ). The combination (ـَا) produces a long “aa” sound (as in “father”).
- Lam (ل):
This letter has two main functions in the Arabic language:
1- Primary Role:
Lam (ل) is a consonant with its own sound. It is the equivalent of the English “L” sound (as in “light”).
2- The Definite Article:
Its most famous function is the “L” in the definite article الـ, meaning “the”.
Examples:
1. قلم: The second letter is Lam (ل). This is a consonant as it is a part of the noun.
2. ليل: Both ل in the beginning and the end of this word are consonants.
3. بَاب: The second letter is Alif (ا).
4. الشمس: The first letter of the word is Alif (ا), and the second is Lam (ل), which is silent due to the solar letter rule.
Why Students Love Learning with Riwaq Al Quran
Hear directly from our students about how Riwaq Al Quran Academy has transformed their connection with the Book of Allah. Their experiences reflect the dedication, care, and quality that guide every step of our teaching.
Learn Quran, Arabic And Islamic Studies Online With The Best Native Tutors
Riwaq Al Quran is a comprehensive online platform that offers personalized Quran, Arabic and Islamic Studies Online classes for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Their experienced instructors use a structured curriculum to cover Tajweed, Tafsir, and Memorization, providing easy and effective access to learning the Quran.
The advanced online classes allow for seamless communication and interaction between students and teachers. Join Riwaq Al Quran for a deeper connection with the Quran.
We offer several courses such as:
- Online courses for kids.
- Online Quran classes for kids and adults.
- Online Arabic courses
- Online Ijazah courses
- Online Islamic Studies courses.
Here are a sample of our set of Quran Courses that will be helpful for you:
- Online Tafseer Course: Delve into Quranic meanings with our insightful online Tafseer course.
- Noorani Qaida Online: Learn Quranic basics efficiently through our Noorani Qaida online program.
- Online Quran Recitation Course: Enhance Quranic recitation skills through our expert-led online course.
- Online Tajweed Classes: Master Tajweed rules for beautiful Quranic recitation in online classes.
- Quran Memorization Online Course: Memorize the Quran effectively with our specialized online memorization course.
- Online Qirat Course: Explore diverse Qirat styles with our comprehensive online Qirat course.
- Online Quran Classes for Kids: Nurture a love for the Quran in kids through interactive online classes.
Conclusion
The Alif Lam rule is a cornerstone of Arabic phonology and Tajweed. It is a rule of pronunciation rather than spelling. While the written form remains consistent, the key is to correctly identify the subsequent letter as either “Solar” or “Lunar” to apply the corresponding pronunciation. Mastering this rule is essential for achieving proper fluency, accurate recitation of the Quran, and speaking with native-like eloquence.
