Children are often puzzled when they reach الٓمٓ and wonder whether to read it as a word.
The basics
- 29 surahs begin with separated letters.
- Examples: الٓمٓ (Al-Baqarah), يسٓ (Yasin), كٓهيعٓصٓ (Maryam), صٓ (Sad), قٓ (Qaf), نٓ (Al-Qalam).
How to read them
| Written | Read as |
|---|---|
| الٓمٓ | Alif – Laaam – Miiim |
| يسٓ | Yaa – Siiin |
| طه | Taa – Haa |
| حمٓ | Haa – Miiim |
The wavy madd sign over some letters means a long stretch, commonly 6 counts in Hafs. The teacher will show exact lengths.
What do they mean?
Scholars have discussed them for centuries. Some suggest they show the Quran is made of the same letters Arabs used, yet no one could produce anything like it. The safest answer for children: “Allah knows best what they mean.”
The reward
The Prophet ﷺ used الٓمٓ as his example: “I don’t say Alif Lam Mim is one letter; Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2910), each bringing ten rewards.
Teacher’s tip: ask your child to find all the surahs that start with separated letters using the surah list. It’s a fun way to explore the Mushaf.
Related: What is madd?
