Master Arabic Pronunciation: A Simple Guide to Articulation points of letters

Learning to recite the Quran correctly is a spiritual journey that begins with a single, foundational step: Makharij al-Huruf (Arabic Articulation Points). For English-speaking Muslims in the USA and UK, mastering these sounds is often the biggest challenge, but it is also the most rewarding.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the complex science of Tajweed into simple, easy-to-understand concepts to help you perfect your recitation.

Articulation points of letters — Arabic Articulation Points Diagram

Table of Contents

What are Makharij al-Huruf?

The term Makharij (plural of Makhraj) literally means “exit points.” In the context of Tajweed, it refers to the specific place in the mouth, throat, or nose where a letter is formed.

Without knowing the correct Makhraj, a reciter might confuse similar-sounding letters—like changing a Haa (ح) into a Ha (ه)—which can alter the entire meaning of a Quranic verse.

The 5 Major Articulation Areas

Scholars of Tajweed have identified 17 specific articulation points, which are categorized into 5 major areas. Let’s explore each one:

1. Al-Jawf (The Empty Space in the Mouth and Throat)

This area refers to the “vacuum” or open space inside the mouth and throat. It is the origin of the three “Madd” (prolongation) letters when they are in a state of Sukoon:

Alif (أ): Preceded by a Fatha.
Waw (و): Preceded by a Damma.
Ya (ي): Preceded by a Kasra.

Note: These sounds are unique because they do not rely on a fixed point of contact (like the tongue hitting the teeth). They are finished with the air.

2. Al-Halq (The Throat)

The throat is the source of six specific letters, divided into three parts:

Deep Throat (Bottom): Hamzah (ء) and Ha (هـ).
Middle Throat: ‘Ayn (ع) and Ha (ح).
Closest Throat (Top): Ghayn (غ) and Kha (خ).

3. Al-Lisan (The Tongue)

The tongue is the most “active” part of articulation, responsible for 18 letters. It is divided into four main sections:

The Deepest Part: Qaf (ق) and Kaf (ك).
The Middle Part: Jeem (ج), Sheen (ش), and Ya (ي) (non-Madd).
The Sides: Dad (ض).
The Tip: This is where the majority of letters come from, including Noon (ن), Ra (ر), Ta (ت), Daal (د), and others.

4. Ash-Shafatayn (The Lips)

Four letters are produced using the lips:

Fa (ف): Touching the edges of the upper front teeth to the inside of the lower lip.
Ba (ب): Closing the lips together strongly.
Meem (م): Closing the lips together lightly.
Waw (و): Rounding the lips (non-Madd).

5. Al-Khayshum (The Nasal Cavity)

This is not for specific letters but for the sound of Ghunnah (nasalization). It occurs primarily with the letters Noon (ن) and Meem (م) when they have a Shaddah or follow specific Tajweed rules like Ikhfa or Idgham.

Summary Table of Arabic Letters and Their Makharij

To make it easier for students at Al-Wafaa Institute, here is a simplified reference table:

Articulation Area	Letters	Description for Students
Throat (Bottom)	ء ، هـ	Sound comes from the chest area.
Throat (Middle)	ع ، ح	Clear, “squeezed” throat sound.
Throat (Top)	غ ، خ	Rough sound, similar to gargling.
Tongue (Back)	ق ، ك	Deep back of the tongue hitting the palate.
Tongue (Center)	ج ، ش ، ي	Middle of the tongue raised.
Tongue (Sides)	ض	Hardest letter; side of the tongue hits molars.
Lips	م ، ب ، و ، ف	Using both lips or teeth on lips.

Why is Learning Makharij Essential for Western Students?

Living in the USA or UK, our daily environment is dominated by English phonetics. English lacks certain sounds that are native to Arabic, such as the heavy Dad (ض) or the deep ‘Ayn (ع).

Preserving the Revelation: The Quran was revealed in “Clear Arabic.” Precision ensures we recite it as the Prophet (PBUH) did.
Avoiding Mistakes (Lahn): Changing a Makhraj can lead to Lahn Jali (clear mistakes), which can be sinful if done intentionally or through negligence.
Better Understanding: When you pronounce words correctly, the roots of the words become clearer, aiding in your understanding of the Tafsir.

Practical Tips for Improving Your Makharij

1. The “Sukoon” Test

To find the exact exit point of a letter, put a Hamzah with a Fatha before the letter and put a Sukoon on the letter itself. For example, to find the Makhraj of Ba, say “Ab”. Where your lips meet and stop the sound is the Makhraj.

2. Record and Compare

Use your smartphone to record your recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha. Listen to a professional Qari (like Mishary Rashid or Al-Husary) and compare your sounds. Notice where your “Ha” sounds too light or your “Qaf” sounds too much like a “Kaf.”

3. Mirror Practice

Watch your mouth in the mirror. For letters like Waw (و), your lips should be perfectly rounded. For Thal (ذ) and Zha (ظ), the tip of your tongue must touch the edges of the upper teeth.

4. Join an Online Institute

Self-study can only take you so far. You need a teacher to listen and correct your specific mistakes. At Al-Wafaa Institute, we specialize in helping students in the UK and USA bridge the gap between English and Arabic phonetics.

Common Challenges for English Speakers

The Letter ‘Ayn (ع): Often mispronounced as a simple “A” sound. It requires a slight constriction in the middle of the throat.
The Heavy Letters (Tafkheem): Letters like Saad (ص) and Taa (ط) require the back of the tongue to rise, creating a full-mouth echo that doesn’t exist in English.
The Difference between ‘Zay’ (ز) and ‘Thal’ (ذ): Many confuse these. ‘Zay’ is a whistling sound (like “Z” in Zebra), while ‘Thal’ is soft (like “The” in English).

Conclusion

Mastering the Makharij al-Huruf is the foundation of Tajweed. It is not just about “rules”; it is about giving every letter its due right (Haqq) and its deserved quality (Mustahaqq). While it may seem daunting at first, with practice and professional guidance, anyone can achieve a beautiful and correct recitation.

Ready to start your journey?

At Al-Wafaa Institute, we offer specialized one-on-one online classes tailored for residents in the USA and UK. Our expert tutors will guide you through the Articulation Points and Tajweed rules in a simple, supportive environment.

Sign up for a Free Trial Class Today!