What Is Tanween With Example

If you’re beginning your journey in learning Arabic or aiming to perfect your Quranic recitation, you’ve probably come across the term Tanween. But what is Tanween, and why is it so important? At Madrasat El-Quran, we believe understanding the basics of Arabic grammar is essential for proper recitation and comprehension of the Quran.

Tanween refers to the “n” sound added to the end of certain Arabic words, marking indefiniteness and playing a crucial role in both grammar and Tajweed. It may seem like a small symbol, but it carries a powerful impact on meaning and pronunciation.

Let’s explore how this unique feature helps bring clarity and rhythm to the beautiful language of the Quran.

What Is Tanween In Quran?

Tanween is the addition of a pronounced “n” sound at the end of Arabic nouns or adjectives, shown by doubling the short vowel—not by writing an extra letter. It marks a word as indefinite and reflects its grammatical case (nominative, accusative, or genitive). There are three types: Tanween Fatha, Dhamma, and Kasrah.

In Arabic grammar and Quranic recitation, Tanween is essential for correct pronunciation and meaning. Mastering it helps learners read and understand Arabic more accurately.

Tanween Rules in Arabic 

Tanween, the Arabic grammatical feature of “nunation,” is a fundamental aspect of the Arabic language. It involves the addition of a final “n” sound at the end of indefinite nouns or adjectives, and is reflected in one of three vowel patterns: ً (Fathatan), ٌ (Dammatan), or ٍ (Kasratan). But Tanween isn’t random—it follows specific grammatical rules that govern when and how it can be used.

1. Tanween Is Used Only with Indefinite Nouns

One of the most essential rules is that Tanween is exclusive to indefinite nouns. If a noun doesn’t refer to something specific, Tanween is used to mark this indefiniteness.

• Example:
  “اشتريتُ قلمًا” , “I bought a pen.”
  Here, قلمًا (“a pen”) is indefinite, so Tanween with Fathah (ً) is applied.
  

However, definite nouns those with the Arabic article “ال” (like “الكتاب” – “the book”) never take Tanween.

• ✖ الكتابٌ is grammatically incorrect because the noun is already definite.
  

2. Tanween Appears Only on Nouns and Adjectives

Tanween is not a general-purpose diacritic—it only applies to nouns and adjectives, never to verbs or prepositions.

• Example:
  “قابلتُ زيدًا” – “I met Zayd.”
  The name زيدًا ends with Tanween because it’s functioning as a noun in the accusative case.
  
• Another:
  “ساعدت شيخًا كبيرًا” – “I helped an old man.”
  Both شيخًا (a sheikh) and كبيرًا (old) take Tanween because they’re a noun and an adjective, respectively.
  

3. No Tanween at Pause – The Rule of Final Silence

When an Arabic speaker stops at a word with Tanween—like at the end of a sentence—the Tanween is dropped in pronunciation. This is a phonological rule in Arabic that avoids ending on a vowel or active diacritic when pausing.

• Example with pause:
  “جاء عمرٌ” – “Omar came.”
  If the speaker pauses here, it becomes: “جاء عمر” (dropping the “-un” sound).
  

This keeps the flow of Arabic speech smooth and aligns with a classical phonetic principle: Arabic prefers not to end on a moving sound (Harakah) when pausing.

4. Tanween Shows Grammatical Case & Indefiniteness

Tanween not only signals that a word is indefinite, but it also shows the grammatical case of the noun in context:

• ً Fatha→ Accusative Case (مَنصوب)
  

e.g., “قرأتُ كتابًا” – I read a book.

• ٌ Damma→ Nominative Case (مرفوع)
  

e.g., “الطالبٌ مجتهدٌ” – The student is diligent.

• ٍ Kasra → Genitive Case (مجرور)
  

e.g., “مررتُ ببيتٍ جميلٍ” – I passed by a beautiful house.

In poetry, Quranic recitation, and formal Arabic, this system of case endings supported by Tanween creates the melodic, rhythmic structure that characterizes classical Arabic style.

Specific Tajweed Rules for Tanween

The following are the key Tajweed rules for Tanween based on the letters it is followed by:

1. Ikhfaa (Concealment):
   
   • Ikhfaa occurs when Tanween is followed by one of the Ikhfaa letters: [ت, ث, ج, د, ذ, ز, س, ش, ص, ض, ط, ظ, ف, ق, ك].
     
   • In this case, the Noon sound of Tanween is concealed and a Ghunnah (nasal sound) is produced for 2 Harakat.
     
   • Example:
     “كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ” (Quran 29:57)
     
2. Idgham (Assimilation):
   
   • Idgham happens when Tanween is followed by one of the Idgham letters: [ي, ر, م, ل, و, ن].
     
   • In this case, the Noon sound of Tanween merges with the following letter, either with or without a nasal sound (depending on the letter).
     
   • Example (with Ghunnah):
     “وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍۢ” (Quran 99:8)
     
   • Example (without Ghunnah):
     “أُولَـٰئِكَ عَلَىٰ هُدًى مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ” (Quran 2:5)
     
3. Izhar (Clarification):
   
   • Izhar occurs when Tanween is followed by one of the Izhar letters: [ء, هـ, ع, ح, غ, خ].
     
   • In this case, the Noon sound of Tanween is pronounced clearly without any nasalization or merging.
     
   • Example:
     “تَصْلَىٰ نَارًا حَامِيَةًۭ” (Quran 88:4)
     
4. Iqlab (Substitution):
   
   • Iqlab occurs when Tanween is followed by the letter Baa (ب).
     
   • In this case, the Noon sound of Tanween is changed into the Meem sound (م).
     
   • Example:
     “عُتُلٍّۭ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ زَنِيمٍ” (Quran 68:13)
     
5. Waqf (Stopping):
   
   • When pausing on a word with Tanween, the Noon sound is dropped. This is important because Arabic phonetics require stopping at a Sakin (non-vowel) letter.
     
   • Example:
     “إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ لِرَبِّهِۦ لَكَنُودٌۭ” (Quran 100:6)
     

Summary of Four Key Rules for Noon Sakinah and Tanween In Tajweed

1. Al-Idhar (Clarification): Clear pronunciation of the Noon sound when followed by certain letters (e.g., ء, هـ, ع, ح, غ, خ).
   
2. Al-Idgham (Assimilation): The Noon sound merges with the following letter, with or without nasalization, depending on the letter (e.g., ر, ل, م, ن, و, ي).
   
3. Al-Iqlab (Substitution): The Noon sound changes to a Meem (م) sound when followed by the letter Baa (ب).
   
4. Al-Ikhfaa (Concealment): The Noon sound is concealed with a Ghunnah when followed by certain letters (e.g., ت, ث, ج, د, etc.).
   

These rules help ensure that the recitation of the Quran is both accurate and clear, preserving its intended meaning and sound.

After learning the basic Tajweed rules, you can deepen your knowledge through the online Tajweed course, which provides practical training and specialized guidance to improve your recitation.

In conclusion, understanding the concept of “what is Tanween” is essential for anyone looking to perfect their Quranic recitation. Tanween plays a crucial role in Tajweed, and mastering its rules ensures clarity and accuracy in pronunciation. By familiarizing yourself with its application, you can enhance your recitation and preserve the beautiful sound of the Quran. For further improvement and a deeper understanding, consider exploring more advanced resources and courses that offer specialized training in Tajweed.