Tajweed tool
Makharij of the Arabic letters
Every Arabic letter has a precise exit point in the mouth. Correct Makharij is what separates clear recitation from an approximation.
| Area | Letters | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Empty space (Jawf) | ا و ي (as Madd letters) | The long vowels take no fixed contact point |
| Deepest throat | ء ه | From the very bottom of the throat |
| Middle throat | ع ح | Squeeze from the middle of the throat |
| Nearest throat | غ خ | Closest to the mouth |
| Tongue (deepest) | ق ك | Back of the tongue against the soft palate |
| Tongue (middle) | ج ش ي | Middle of the tongue against the roof |
| Tongue sides | ض | Side of the tongue against the upper molars |
| Tongue tip | ل ن ر ط د ت ص س ز ظ ذ ث | Different tip positions against gums and teeth |
| Lips | ف ب م و | Fa uses lip and teeth; the rest use both lips |
| Nasal cavity | Ghunnah of ن and م | The nasal sound, not a letter itself |
How to use this tool
- Locate the letter's articulation area.
- Pronounce it in isolation with sukoon.
- Ask a teacher to confirm the sound.
Frequently asked questions
How many Makharij are there?
The most widely taught view counts 17 articulation points grouped into five main areas.
Which letters are hardest for non-Arabs?
Usually ع، ح، ض، ظ، ق and ص, because they have no close equivalent in most languages.