What Is Ikhfa in Tajweed? 15 Letters & Examples

Ikhfa is one of the important Tajweed rules used when reciting the Quran. It means partially hiding the sound of Noon Sakinah or Tanween while keeping a clear nasal sound called Ghunnah.

The 15 Ikhfa Letters

The 15 letters of Ikhfa are:

Ikhfa and Ghunnah

When Ikhfa occurs, the sound of Noon Sakinah or Tanween is not pronounced completely or clearly. Instead, the reciter produces a nasal sound known as Ghunnah.

Ikhfa Examples from the Quran

Here are simple examples where Ikhfa occurs:

How to Pronounce Ikhfa

1. Identify Noon Sakinah or Tanween.
2. Check whether the following letter is one of the 15 Ikhfa letters.
3. Do not pronounce the Noon sound completely.
4. Keep the nasal Ghunnah for approximately two counts.
5. Continue naturally into the following letter.