Tajweed Rules of Lam Shamsiyyah and Lam Qamariyyah Explained Simply
Qari Muhammad Bilal
Senior Tajweed Tutor • Published by Rahma Quran Academy
The definite article "Al-" (ال) interacts differently depending on whether it meets a solar (Shamsi) or lunar (Qamari) letter. Understanding this rule eliminates common stumbling blocks in beginner recitation.
وَالشَّمْسِ وَضُحَاهَا وَالْقَمَرِ إِذَا تَلَاهَا
“By the sun and its brightness, and [by] the moon when it follows it...” (Surah Ash-Shams 91:1-2)
Comprehensive Guidelines & Key Takeaways
1. The 14 Sun Letters (Huroof Shamsiyyah)
The Lam merges into the following letter with a Tashdeed, becoming silent (e.g., Ash-Shams, Ar-Rahman).
2. The 14 Moon Letters (Huroof Qamariyyah)
The Lam is pronounced clearly with a visible Sukoon (e.g., Al-Qamar, Al-Kitab).
3. The Memory Mnemonic
The 14 Moon letters are gathered in the famous mnemonic: "ابغِ حَجَّكَ وَخَفْ عَقِيمَهُ".
Teacher’s Expert Advice
Look at the script: if the letter after Lam carries a Shaddah (ّ), it is a Sun letter; if Lam carries a Sukoon (ْ), it is a Moon letter.
Final Reflections
Our structured Noorani Qaida lessons break down these rules into simple visual drills.
Start Reciting the Holy Quran with Authentic Tajweed
Connect 1-on-1 with certified male or female tutors available 24/7. Flexible schedules designed around school, work, and family life.
Related Quran Guides & Articles
Mastering Ikhfa (Concealment): How to Produce the Soft Nasal Tone
Ikhfa is the most frequent Tajweed rule in the Quran. Learn how to conceal the Noon Sakinah before the 15 Ikhfa letters with a delicate 2-count Ghunnah.
Read GuideUnderstanding Idgham (Merging): With Ghunnah (YANMU) and Without Ghunnah
A comprehensive guide to the six letters of Yarmaloon (يرملون) and how Noon Sakinah blends smoothly into adjacent letters.
Read GuideThe Art of Waqf and Ibtida: Knowing Exactly Where to Restart After a Breath
Running out of breath mid-Ayah is natural. Learn the rules of Ibtida (resuming recitation) so you never restart with an incomplete or distorted meaning.
Read Guide