The Sun-letters ( حروف شمسية) and Moon-letters ( حروف قمرية) are two categories used to categorise the consonants in Arabic. Whether they absorb the definite article al determines where they fall in this categorization. the Sun-letters lose their distinguishing sound when the definite article is merged into them. This causes the word’s initial sound to be doubled. Shaddah was given.
For example: (الرّحمن) the merciful-a name of Allah
On the other hand, when the definite article comes before a Moon-letter, it still makes its characteristic sound.
Think of the earth, for instance.
The letters for the Sun and Moon may appear difficult, yet they are actually simple.
Do not forget: Pronunciation is everything.
The Rule Is In The Name
Sun-letters are known as (الحروف الشمسية) in Arabic, although in Al Shams, the is not pronounced (Lam). For the “Moon-letters,” it is ( الحروف القمرية), and the (Lam) is pronounced for Al Qamar.
The Arabic alphabet has 28 consonants. Both the Sun and the Moon make up exactly half. When you pronounce al, can you feel where your tongue is? At your teeth, it is. When you create the sh sound, have you noticed how your mouth changes? ال and ش are created immediately at the front of your mouth, which puts them quite near to one another. The ‘Lam’ is assimilated into the Sun-letters to facilitate pronunciation. Idgham (ادغام) is therefore used by Arabs to lighten their speech.
Now say القمر (Al Qamar). As far as your tongue is concerned, the al‘ ال is nowhere near the qaf ق sound. The Moon-letters, therefore, keep the ‘L’ ل sound. So it is pronounced with the alif ا and then the Lam ل for the Moon letter.
What Are They?
The 14 Sun-letters are as follows: (ﻥ ,ﻝ ,ﻅ ,ﻁ ,ﺽ ,ﺹ ,ﺵ ,ﺱ ,ﺯ ,ﺭ ,ﺫ ,ﺩ ,ﺙ ,ﺕ).
The 14 Moon-letters are as follows : ( ه ,ﻱ ,ﻭ ,ﻡ ,ﻙ ,ﻕ ,ﻑ ,ﻍ ,ﻉ ,ﺥ ,ﺡ ,ﺝ ,ﺏ ,أ). Arabs usually memorize this rhyme that contains all the Moon-letters.
اِبْغِ حَجَّكَ وَخَفْ عَقِيْمَه
(roughly translated as: “Perform Haj and avoid arguing”).
Each letter in the Arabic alphabet is covered in the table below, along with an example word that begins with that letter in the appropriate column, depending on whether it is a sun or moon letter.
Orthography
Regardless of how it is spoken, the “ال” is always written the same way in written language. The Sun-letters can be assimilated by adding Shaddah to the consonant that comes after Lam. Non-assimilating Moon-letters.
Learn Arabic Language
Learn Arabic and master the language of the Quran with a comprehensive course divided into 4 levels and 14 stages that span the breadth and depth of the Arabic language from not being able to recognize the letters of the alphabet to advanced levels that study selected topics in grammar and literature.
For effective Quran reading, recitation, and memorization training, Jawwid Academy is the best online resource. Online classes are given by our renowned and knowledgeable Quran experts at convenient times. Without leaving your house, gain knowledge from well-known instructors. Learn the Quran and Tajweed, Arabic, or Islamic Studies such as Fiqh, Tafseer, Hadith, Sunnah, Ijazah, and many other courses to strengthen your Deen and be among the best.
In the convenience of your own home, study with the world’s top Tutors.
