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Rules of Noon and Meem Mushaddad (نّ / مّ) in Tajweed
Noon Mushaddad (نّ) and Meem Mushaddad (مّ) refer to the letters ن (noon) and م (meem) when they carry a shaddah ( ّ ), a small “w”-shaped symbol above the letter indicating doubling.
When either of these letters has a shaddah, it must be pronounced with ghunnah (nasal sound) held for two counts (two harakat).
This rule is obligatory (wājib) in Tajweed and applies wherever نّ or مّ appears in the Qur’an.
Introduction: Why This Rule Matters
When we recite the Qur’an, we are not merely reading Arabic words. We are preserving a divine revelation exactly as it was recited by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Allah says:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:9)
The Qur’an is not only preserved in text, but also in sound. Tajweed (تجويد) ensures that we pronounce every letter correctly, give each sound its due right, and avoid altering meanings.
Among the foundational Tajweed rules taught to beginners are:
- Rules of Noon Sakinah
- Rules of Tanween
- Rules of Meem Sakinah
- Noon and Meem Mushaddad
Although this rule is simple, it is extremely important. It appears frequently throughout the Qur’an and affects words that carry powerful meanings , including the name of Allah in phrases like إِنَّا and ثُمَّ.
This article will explain:
- What Noon and Meem Mushaddad mean
- What ghunnah is
- How long to hold it
- How to pronounce it correctly
- Common mistakes
- Practical examples from the Qur’an
- Frequently asked questions
Everything will be explained step-by-step, assuming no prior Tajweed knowledge.
What Is a Shaddah ( ّ )?
Before understanding Noon and Meem Mushaddad, we must understand the shaddah.
A shaddah ( ّ ) is a small symbol placed above a letter. It indicates that the letter is:
- Doubled in pronunciation
- Pronounced with extra emphasis
For example:
- نَ (na)
- نَّ (nna — doubled n sound)
The letter with shaddah is read as if it appears twice , once with sukoon (silent), then with a vowel.
What Is Ghunnah (غُنَّة)?
Ghunnah is a nasal sound that comes from the nose. It is a soft humming sound that accompanies certain letters in Tajweed.
It is most strongly associated with:
- The letter ن (Noon)
- The letter م (Meem)
When either of these letters carries a shaddah, ghunnah becomes obligatory.
Rule 1: Noon Mushaddad (نّ) What Is Noon Mushaddad?
When the letter ن has a shaddah (نّ), it must be pronounced with ghunnah for two counts.
Examples:
- إِنَّ
- أَنَّ
Visual Example of Noon Mushaddad in the Qur’an:-
How Long Is Two Counts (Harakat)?
A harakah (plural: harakat) is the length of one vowel movement.
Two harakat equals the time it takes to say:
- “one-two”
- or opening and closing your finger twice at a moderate pace
The ghunnah should not be:
- Too short (cut abruptly)
- Too long (extended like a madd)
It is steady and balanced.
Where Does the Ghunnah Come From?
The ghunnah comes from the nasal cavity, not from the mouth.
Try this:
- Say “nnnn”
- Close your nose while saying it
- Notice how the sound stops
This shows that ghunnah depends on airflow through the nose.
Rule 2: Meem Mushaddad (مّ) What Is Meem Mushaddad?
When the letter م carries a shaddah (مّ), it must also be pronounced with ghunnah for two counts.
Examples:
- ثُمَّ
- أَمَّا
- لَمَّا
We can find meem mushadad in the 4 and 5 verse.
Why Are These Two Letters Special?
Among all Arabic letters, Noon and Meem are the strongest carriers of ghunnah.
Scholars of Tajweed explain that ghunnah is:
- A permanent characteristic (sifah lazimah) of Noon and Meem
- Strongest when they have shaddah
When they are mushaddad, ghunnah is at its maximum clarity.
Evidence from the Qur’an
The obligation of Tajweed comes from Allah’s command:
وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا
“And recite the Qur’an with measured recitation.”
(Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:4)
Tarteel (ترتيل) means slow, careful, properly articulated recitation — which includes observing ghunnah.
The science of Tajweed was derived from how the Prophet ﷺ recited and taught the Qur’an to his companions.
Detailed Breakdown: How to Pronounce Noon Mushaddad
Let’s take the word:
إِنَّا
Step-by-step:
- Begin with kasrah under hamzah (إِ)
- Pronounce the نّ
- Hold nasal sound for two counts
- Continue to alif
It should sound like:
Innnā
Not:
❌ Ina (too short)
❌ Inaaaa (too long)
❌ Idda (wrong articulation)
Detailed Breakdown: How to Pronounce Meem Mushaddad
Example:
ثُمَّ
Steps:
- Pronounce ثُ (thu)
- Close lips for مّ
- Hold ghunnah for two counts
- Release into next vowel
Sound:
Thummma
Your lips must remain closed during the ghunnah.
The Difference Between Noon Mushaddad and Noon Sakinah
Many beginners confuse:
- نْ (noon sakinah)
- نّ (noon mushaddad)
Noon Sakinah follows different rules (Idhar, Idgham, Iqlab, Ikhfa).
But Noon Mushaddad always:
- Has shaddah
- Has ghunnah
- Is held two counts
- Has no conditional changes
It is one of the simplest Tajweed rules because it does not depend on surrounding letters.
The Difference Between Meem Mushaddad and Meem Sakinah
Similarly:
- مْ (meem sakinah) has rules like Ikhfa Shafawi, Idgham Shafawi, and Idhar Shafawi.
- مّ (meem mushaddad) always has ghunnah.
No conditions. No exceptions.
Is This Rule Obligatory?
Yes.
Scholars classify observing ghunnah in نّ and مّ as:
- Wājib (obligatory) in proper recitation
- Leaving it intentionally is considered a clear Tajweed mistake
However, beginners learning gradually are excused while improving.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Cutting the Ghunnah Too Short
Reading:
إِنَّ as “Ina”
This removes the nasal hold.
- Extending It Too Long
Some stretch it like a madd (4–6 counts). That is incorrect.
- Moving the Tongue During Noon Ghunnah
The tongue should remain touching the articulation point of Noon.
- Opening Lips During Meem Ghunnah
The lips must stay closed during Meem ghunnah.
Practical Exercises
Exercise 1: Isolate the Sound
Say:
- نّ
- مّ
Hold each for two counts.
Exercise 2: Practice Words
Repeat slowly:
- إِنَّ
- أَنَّ
- ثُمَّ
- لَمَّا
- عَمَّ
Exercise 3: Combine in Verses
From the Qur’an:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Focus on the ghunnah in إِنَّ.
Advanced Insight: Why Two Counts?
Classical scholars explain that ghunnah has levels:
- Weak (like Ikhfa)
- Medium
- Strong (in Mushaddad)
The strongest ghunnah appears in Noon and Meem Mushaddad and is standardized at two harakat.
It balances clarity without exaggeration.
How Teachers Traditionally Teach This Rule
In traditional Tajweed study circles:
- Students repeat after teacher
- Teacher listens closely to nasal resonance
- Corrections focus on:
- Timing
- Nasal clarity
- Mouth positioning
Listening to qualified reciters helps internalize proper length.
Spiritual Reflection
When Allah says:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
The ghunnah in إِنَّ slows you down.
It creates pause.
It emphasizes certainty.
Tajweed is not only technical , it beautifies the Qur’an and allows the heart to absorb meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Ghunnah Always Two Counts?
For Noon and Meem Mushaddad: Yes, always two counts. Other types of ghunnah (like Ikhfa) may vary slightly in strength, but generally remain two counts.
- Is This Rule the Same in All Qira’at?
Yes. The obligation of ghunnah in Noon and Meem Mushaddad is consistent across the well-known recitations.
- What If I Forget to Hold It?
If unintentional, continue and improve gradually. Perfection comes with practice.
- Does This Rule Apply Outside the Qur’an?
In normal Arabic reading, the sound naturally exists. But Tajweed rules specifically apply to Qur’anic recitation.
Summary Table
Letter | Condition | Rule | Length |
ن | With shaddah | Ghunnah | 2 counts |
م | With shaddah | Ghunnah | 2 counts |
No exceptions.
Teaching Children This Rule
Children learn it easily because:
- It is consistent
- It has no conditions
- It sounds musical
A helpful method is tapping twice while holding the ghunnah.
Final Practice Passage
Recite slowly:
عَمَّ يَتَسَآءَلُونَ
ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ
Notice the ghunnah in:
- عَمَّ
- ثُمَّ
Hold each for two counts.
Time of pondering
That is an excellent question , because Tajweed is not only about sound mechanics. Sometimes, the shaddah ( ّ ) on نّ (Noon Mushaddad) and مّ (Meem Mushaddad) actually strengthens the meaning of the word in a powerful and subtle way.
Let us explore clear Qur’anic examples from Surah An-Nas and other surahs, and see how the doubling (shaddah) supports emphasis, certainty, intensity, or repetition in meaning.
1️⃣ إِنَّ (Inna) – Emphasis and Certainty
One of the most common examples of Noon Mushaddad in the Qur’an is:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Linguistic Meaning
The word إِنَّ is a particle of emphasis and certainty.
It does not simply mean “Allah is Forgiving.”
It means:
“Indeed, truly, without doubt — Allah is Forgiving.”
Connection Between Shaddah and Meaning
Notice:
- The نّ is doubled.
- It is pronounced with a strong ghunnah.
- It is held for two counts.
This doubling reinforces the very purpose of the word: certainty and emphasis.
The sound itself slows the reciter slightly and gives weight to the statement.
It is as if the sound mirrors the meaning:
- The word strengthens the sentence.
- The doubled noon strengthens the sound.
This is a subtle harmony between Tajweed and meaning.
2️⃣ ثُمَّ (Thumma) – Sequence With Weight
From Surah At-Takathur:
ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ
“Then no! You will soon come to know.”
Meaning of ثُمَّ
The word ثُمَّ means:
- “Then”
- But with delay or seriousness
- A progression that carries weight
It is not the same as فَ (fa), which indicates immediate sequence.
Role of Meem Mushaddad
The doubled مّ with ghunnah creates a heavy pause-like sound:
Thummma
This strengthens the sense of:
- Gradual unfolding
- Warning
- Serious progression
The sound reflects the gravity of what comes next.
3️⃣ عَمَّ (ʿAmma) – “About What?”
From Surah An-Naba:
عَمَّ يَتَسَآءَلُونَ
“About what are they asking one another?”
Linguistic Background
The word عَمَّ comes from:
- عن (ʿan) – about
- ما (mā) – what
They merged, and the noon assimilated into meem, creating a meem mushaddad.
Meaning Connection
The question is strong and dramatic.
The shaddah:
- Intensifies the inquiry
- Makes the opening powerful
- Adds rhythm and force
The surah begins with impact — and the sound contributes to that impact.
4️⃣ إِنَّا (Innā) – Divine Majesty
From Surah Al-Qadr:
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
“Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree.”
Meaning
The word إِنَّا combines:
- Emphasis (إِنَّ)
- The pronoun “We” (نا)
It indicates:
- Certainty
- Majesty
- Divine authority
Effect of Noon Mushaddad
The ghunnah here:
- Adds weight before mentioning revelation
- Creates a strong opening
- Emphasizes Allah’s deliberate action
The emphasis matches the greatness of the Qur’an’s revelation.
5️⃣ جَهَنَّم (Jahannam) – Intensified Severity
From many places in the Qur’an:
جَهَنَّم
The word for Hell contains Noon Mushaddad.
Sound and Meaning Connection
The doubled noon:
- Adds heaviness
- Extends the sound
- Contributes to a sense of severity
Even phonetically, the word feels weighty.
While the shaddah is linguistically part of the word’s structure, the intensity of the sound corresponds to the intensity of meaning.
6️⃣ أَمَّا (Ammā) – Structured Contrast
Common throughout the Qur’an, such as in Surah Ash-Sharh:
فَأَمَّا ٱلْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ
“So as for the orphan, do not oppress.”
Meaning
أَمَّا introduces:
- Contrast
- Division of categories
- Structured explanation
The meem mushaddad strengthens this transition.
It signals:
“Now pay attention , we are distinguishing something important.”
7️⃣ The Psychological Effect of Ghunnah in Emphasis
Scholars of rhetoric (balāghah) explain that repetition and doubling in Arabic often indicate:
- Strength
- Continuity
- Intensity
- Certainty
A shaddah is literally a doubling.
When attached to Noon and Meem — the strongest nasal letters — it produces:
- Sustained resonance
- Audible emphasis
- Emotional weight
This is especially clear in words of:
- Warning
- Promise
- Divine declaration
- Judgment
8️⃣ A Beautiful Pattern in Surah An-Nas
Returning to Surah An-Nas:
مِن شَرِّ ٱلْوَسْوَاسِ ٱلْخَنَّاسِ
Notice:
الخَنَّاس
The Noon Mushaddad strengthens the word meaning:
- The one who repeatedly withdraws
- The persistent whisperer
The doubling reflects repetition.
The shaytan does not whisper once he whispers again and again.
The shaddah subtly mirrors that repetition.
9️⃣ Summary: How Sound Supports Meaning
Word | Letter with Shaddah | Meaning Effect |
إِنَّ | Noon | Certainty, emphasis |
إِنَّا | Noon | Divine authority |
ثُمَّ | Meem | Weighty sequence |
عَمَّ | Meem | Strong dramatic inquiry |
جَهَنَّم | Noon | Severity |
الخَنَّاس | Noon | Repetition, persistence |
أَمَّا | Meem | Structured contrast |
Important Clarification
We must be careful:
- The shaddah is primarily grammatical.
- It is not added to create rhetorical drama.
- It is part of Arabic morphology.
However, the beauty of the Qur’an is that its sound and meaning often align harmoniously.
This harmony is part of what makes the Qur’an miraculous.
Final Reflection
When you next recite:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
Let the ghunnah slow you.
Feel the certainty.
The doubled noon is not just a rule — it is emphasis in sound and meaning.
May Allah allow us to taste both the precision and the beauty of His words.
Different Qur’an Printings and the Shapes of Meem and Noon Mushaddad
A Complete Guide to Understanding Mushaf Styles and Tajweed Mark Differences
Quran printings
The rule of Noon Mushaddad (نّ) and Meem Mushaddad (مّ) never changes in any authentic Qur’an printing.
However, the shape, color, and visual presentation of:
- The shaddah ( ّ )
- The ghunnah indication
- The script style (Uthmani, Indo-Pak, Maghrebi, etc.)
may differ between printings.
The pronunciation remains the same:
Two counts of ghunnah in all recognized Mushaf traditions.
Why Do Qur’an Printings Look Different?
Many beginners are confused when they:
- Memorize from one Mushaf
- Then open another printed Qur’an
- And notice that some letters look slightly different
They may ask:
- Why does the shaddah look different?
- Why is the Noon shaped differently?
- Why does Meem look larger or smaller?
- Is this a different Qur’an?
The answer is reassuring:
The Qur’an is one.
The recitation is preserved.
The difference is only in script style and calligraphic tradition.
The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. Over centuries, Muslim lands developed different calligraphic scripts while preserving the same Uthmani orthography (Rasm Uthmani).
Understanding these differences builds confidence and removes doubt.
The Core Rule Never Changes
Before discussing visual differences, let us establish the foundation:
Wherever you see:
- نّ
- مّ
You must apply:
- Clear ghunnah
- Held for two harakat (two counts)
This is agreed upon across:
- All ten Qira’at
- All accepted Mushaf printings
All Islamic regions
Major Qur’an Printing Styles Around the World
There are several widely used Mushaf printing traditions today.
Let us examine the most common ones.
1️⃣ Madinah Mushaf (Uthmani Script)
Published by:
King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an
This is the most widely distributed Qur’an globally.
It is based on:
- Hafs ‘an ‘Asim recitation
- Clear Tajweed markings
- Modern standardized Uthmani script
Features:
- Shaddah is clearly written above the letter
- Tanween is balanced and symmetrical
- Ghunnah is not colored (unless Tajweed edition)
- Letters are clean and spaced
Shape of Noon Mushaddad
- Noon has a small curve
- Dot clearly above
- Shaddah sits centered
Shape of Meem Mushaddad
- Meem closed circular shape
- Shaddah directly above center
This is considered the global standard today.
2️⃣ Indo-Pak Script (South Asian Mushaf)
Used in:
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- South Africa
Sometimes called the “Persian style” script.
Visual
Differences You May Notice:
- Letters are more elongated
- Noon has a sharper curve
- Meem may appear more oval-shaped
- Shaddah sometimes looks slightly wider
In many Indo-Pak Tajweed copies:
- Ghunnah may be color-coded (often green)
But the pronunciation remains identical.
3️⃣ Maghrebi Script (North Africa)
Used in:
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Mauritania
This script developed in early Islamic centuries.
Major Visual Differences
- Noon dot often placed below in certain cases
- Letters are more rounded
- Shaddah may look more curved
- Overall script is more flowing
For someone unfamiliar, it may look like a different alphabet — but it is not.
The ghunnah rule remains unchanged.
Why Do These Differences Exist?
The Qur’an was written in the early centuries in a skeletal script (Rasm).
Dots and vowel marks were added later to help non-Arabs.
Different regions developed:
- Distinct calligraphy schools
- Slightly varied aesthetic styles
- Different Tajweed color systems
But they all preserve:
- The same consonantal skeleton
- The same recitation tradition
Do Shaddah Shapes Differ?
Yes , slightly in appearance.
But:
- It always indicates doubling
- It always requires ghunnah on Noon and Meem
- It never changes the rule
Some Mushafs make the shaddah:
- Smaller
- Thicker
- More curved
- Slightly slanted
But functionally identical.
Tajweed-Colored Mushafs
Some modern printings use color coding.
For example:
- Green for ghunnah
- Red for qalqalah
- Blue for madd
In these editions:
- Noon and Meem Mushaddad may be colored to emphasize ghunnah
- The shaddah may be highlighted
These colors are teaching tools — not part of the original script.
Historical Note
The earliest Qur’ans:
- Had no dots
- Had no vowel marks
- Had no shaddah symbol
Yet the recitation was preserved orally.
Later scholars developed:
- Harakat (vowel marks)
- Shaddah
- Sukoon symbols
All to protect correct pronunciation.
Comparing Noon and Meem Mushaddad Across Styles
Feature | Madinah Mushaf | Indo-Pak | Maghrebi |
Noon shape | Smooth curve | Sharper form | More rounded |
Meem shape | Compact | Slightly oval | Wider |
Shaddah form | Standard small “w” | Slightly thicker | Curved |
Ghunnah rule | 2 counts | 2 counts | 2 counts |
No difference in rule.
Does Changing Mushaf Affect Memorization?
It can feel uncomfortable at first.
Memorizers (Huffaz) often prefer:
- Sticking to one script style
- Maintaining visual familiarity
But Tajweed rules remain constant.
Different Qur’an printings may vary in:
- Script style
- Calligraphy
- Shaddah shape
- Tajweed coloring
But they never change:
- The rule of Noon Mushaddad
- The rule of Meem Mushaddad
- The obligation of two-count ghunnah
If you travel from Morocco to Malaysia, you will hear the same ghunnah on:
- إِنَّ
- ثُمَّ
- عَمَّ
- أَمَّا
The sound remains preserved.
May Allah allow us to recite His Book correctly in every script and every land.
Conclusion: Mastering a Small Rule with Great Impact
Noon and Meem Mushaddad may seem like small details. But in the Qur’an, small details preserve divine speech.
By:
- Holding ghunnah for two counts
- Maintaining nasal clarity
- Avoiding exaggeration
You beautify your recitation and follow the command:
وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا
May Allah make us among those who recite His Book correctly, beautifully, and sincerely.
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