Tajweed tool
Sifat: qualities of the letters
Makharij tell you where a letter is made; Sifat tell you how it sounds. Together they produce accurate recitation.
| Quality | Opposite | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hams (whispered) | Jahr (voiced) | Breath flows with the letter versus breath held |
| Shiddah (strong) | Rakhawah (soft) | Sound stops completely versus flows on |
| Isti'la (elevation) | Istifal (lowering) | Back of the tongue raised versus lowered |
| Itbaq (adhesion) | Infitah (separation) | Tongue presses to the palate versus stays apart |
| Qalqalah | — | Echo when released with sukoon |
| Safeer (whistle) | — | Whistling sound in ص ز س |
| Ghunnah | — | Nasal sound in ن and م |
How to use this tool
- Learn each pair of opposite qualities.
- Identify them in one letter at a time.
- Apply them in recitation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Hams and Jahr?
Hams means the breath continues to flow with the letter; Jahr means the breath is held back.
Do Sifat change?
The permanent Sifat never change, though a few conditional qualities depend on the letter's position.