Tajweed Studies

What Is Makharij in Tajweed? Complete Guide to Arabic Letter Articulation Points

Makharij in quran tajweed
27
Sep

Reciting the Quran correctly requires accurate pronunciation. In Tajweed, Makharij forms the foundation. Makhraj (مَخْرَج) literally means “exit point” or “place of origin,” and Makharij al-Huruf (مَخَارِجُ الحُرُوفِ) refers to the exact physical articulation points in the throat, mouth, lips, or nasal cavity from which Arabic letters originate.

Mastering Makharij prevents changes in meaning during recitation. The tutors at Quran Spirit have created this guide to help learners understand Makharij-al-huroof.

The 5 Major Articulation Areas (Makharij Ammah)

According to Imam Ibn al-Jazari, there are 17 specific sub-articulation points divided into 5 major categories:

  • 1. Al-Jawf (الجَوْف) – The Empty Space
    • Description: The space inside the mouth and throat.
    • Specific Points: 1 Point.
    • Letters Produced: Madd Letters: ا, و, ي
  • 2. Al-Halq (الحَلْق) – The Throat
    • Description: The throat area.
    • Specific Points: 3 Points.
    • Letters Produced: ء , هـ , ع , ح , غ , خ
  • 3. Al-Lisan (اللِّسَان) – The Tongue
    • Description: The tongue.
    • Specific Points: 10 Points.
    • Letters Produced: ق , ك , ج , ش , ي , ض , ل , ن , ر , ط , د , ت , ص , ز , س , ظ , ذ , ث
  • 4. Ash-Shafatain (الشَّفَتَيْن) – The Two Lips
    • Description: The lips.
    • Specific Points: 2 Points.
    • Letters Produced: ف, ب, م, و
  • 5. Al-Khaishoom (الخَيْشُوم) – The Nasal Cavity
    • Description: The nasal passage.
    • Specific Points: 1 Point.
    • Letters Produced: Ghunnah sound (Nasal resonance)

Breakdown of the 17 Specific Articulation Points

1. Al-Jawf (The Empty Space)

This area produces the long vowel sounds (Madd letters) when elongated.

  • Letters: Unvowelled Alif preceded by Fatha (َا), Waw preceded by Dammah (ُو), Ya preceded by Kasrah (ِي).

2. Al-Halq (The Throat)

Divided into three zones producing six “Throat Letters” (Al-Huruf al-Halqiyyah):

  • Lower Throat (Aqsal-Halq): Closest to the chest. Produces Hamzah (ء) and Ha (هـ).
  • Middle Throat (Wasat al-Halq): Produces ‘Ayn (ع) and Ha (ح).
  • Upper Throat (Adnal-Halq): Closest to the mouth. Produces Ghayn (غ) and Kha (خ).

3. Al-Lisan (The Tongue)

The tongue contains the largest number of articulation points (10 specific points producing 18 letters):

  • Deepest Root of Tongue: Touches the soft palate for Qaf (ق), and slightly forward for Kaf (ك).
  • Middle of Tongue: Touches the roof of the mouth for Jeem (ج), Sheen (ش), and non-madd Ya (ي).
  • Sides of Tongue: Touches upper molars for Dhad (ض), while the edge produces Lam (ل).
  • Tip of Tongue:
    • Touches upper gum line for Noon (ن) and Ra (ر).
    • Touches the base of the upper front teeth for Taa (ط), Dal (د), and Taa (ت).
    • Near the edge of the lower front teeth for heavy/whistling sounds: Sad (ص), Zay (ز), Seen (س).
    • Touches the edges of the upper front teeth for Dha (ظ), Thal (ذ), and Tha (ث).

4. Ash-Shafatain (The Lips)

  • Inside Lower Lip touching Upper Front Teeth: Produces Fa (ف).
  • Both Lips Together: Produces Ba (ب) (closing tightly), Meem (م) (closing with nasal hum), and Waw (و) (rounding without touching fully).

5. Al-Khaishoom (Nasal Cavity)

  • Does not produce a distinct standalone letter, but provides the nasal vibration known as Ghunnah required when pronouncing Noon (ن) and Meem (م) under heavy shaddah or rule conditions.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find & Learn Any Letter’s Makhraj

To locate where any Arabic letter originates in your own mouth, follow this 4-step practical test:

  1. Add a Hamzah with a vowelless Sakinah: Prerequisite setup for the articulation test.

Place a Hamzah with a Fatha or Kasrah before the letter you want to test (e.g., sound out أ before the target letter).

  1. Put a Sukoon or Shaddah on the target letter: Isolating the sound.

Make the target letter quiet by adding a Sukoon (ْ) over it. For example, to test م, use أَمْ (Am). To test ح, use أَحْ (Ah).

  1. Pronounce the combination slowly, sustaining the airflow.

Say the sound aloud and hold your breath at the moment it cuts off or vibrates in your mouth or throat.

  1. Identify where airflow stops or friction occurs: Pinpointing the Makhraj.

The exact physical spot where your breath or voice cuts off is the Makhraj of that letter.

Transform Your Quran Recitation with Quran Spirit

At Quran Spirit, our certified Al-Azhar tutors offer personalized 1-on-1 online Tajweed classes to help you master the articulation points, correct subtle mistakes, and recite the Holy Quran with confidence and beauty. Enroll in an Interactive Tajweed Course Today and start your journey with a free trial lesson!

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