Meem sakinah rules are simpler than noon sakinah, because there are only three, and all happen at the lips (that is why they are called shafawi, “of the lips”).
1. Ikhfa shafawi: before ب
The lips come together gently, the meem is half-hidden, and there is a humming sound (ghunnah) for two counts.
تَرْمِيهِمْ بِحِجَارَةٍ
(Surah Al-Fil, verse 4)
2. Idgham: before another م
The two meems join into one doubled meem with a hum for two counts.
لَكُمْ مَا
3. Izhar shafawi: before all other letters
The meem is said clearly, with no extra hum.
لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ
(Surah Al-Kafirun, verse 6)
The special warning: و and ف
Because و and ف are also made with the lips, children often hide the meem before them. Tell your child: before و and ف, the meem must be extra clear.
عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا
Quick summary
| Next letter | Rule | Hum? |
|---|---|---|
| ب | Ikhfa shafawi | Yes |
| م | Idgham | Yes |
| Everything else | Izhar shafawi | No |
Teacher’s tip: Surah Al-Fil has examples of these rules in just five verses. Use it as the practice surah for a week.
