A silent meem follows three simple rules depending on the next letter. Together with noon sakinah, they form the core of intermediate Tajweed.
Key Takeaways
- Meem sakinah (مْ) follows three rules based on the next letter.
- Ikhfa Shafawi: hide the meem with ghunnah before ba.
- Idgham Shafawi: merge the meem into a following meem with ghunnah.
- Izhar Shafawi: pronounce the meem clearly before all other letters.
- Only three letters change the meem; everything else is clear (Izhar).
After noon sakinah, the rules of meem sakinah are the next building block — and they are mercifully short. Just three rules, triggered by only two special letters.
The three rules
| Rule | What happens | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Ikhfa Shafawi | Meem hidden with ghunnah | ba |
| Idgham Shafawi | Meem merges into next meem (with ghunnah) | meem |
| Izhar Shafawi | Meem pronounced clearly | all other letters |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rules does meem sakinah have?+
Three: Ikhfa Shafawi (before ba), Idgham Shafawi (before another meem), and Izhar Shafawi (before every other letter).
Why is it called 'Shafawi'?+
Shafawi means 'of the lips', because the meem is a lip letter — its articulation point is the lips, which is why these rules carry the label.
Which is the most common?+
Izhar Shafawi — clear pronunciation — because it applies before all letters except ba and meem.
Islamic Education Editorial Team
Reviewed by verified teachers (Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies) on the Talib Alillm platform.