Unit 4 · Lesson 18
Where letters come from
The places of articulation (makhārij)
Every letter has its place of articulation, its makhraj. Scholars of tajweed group them into five areas. Saying a letter from its right place is what keeps similar letters apart.
| The open space of the mouth and throat: the long vowels | ا و ي |
| The throat | ء ه ع ح غ خ |
| The tongue: most letters | ق ك ج ش ي ض ل ن ر ط د ت ص س ز ظ ذ ث |
| The lips | ف ب م و |
| The nose: the nasal sound (ghunna) | نّ مّ |
The throat, from deepest to nearest
ء and ه come from the deepest part of the throat, ع and ح from the middle, and غ and خ from the top, nearest the mouth.
PRACTICE
Tap an answer to check yourself.
Where does ع come from?
Which letters come from the lips?
Where does the ghunna come from?