Pronouncing Arabic Pharyngeals: The Art of Letters Ayn (ع) and Haa (ح)
Qari Muhammad Bilal
Senior Tajweed Tutor • Published by Rahma Quran Academy
For non-native Arabic speakers, the letters Ayn (ع) and deep Haa (ح) are often the most intimidating. Both originate from the middle of the throat (Wasat al-Halq), produced by contracting the epiglottis.
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Surah Al-Fatiha 1:2)
Comprehensive Guidelines & Key Takeaways
1. The Letter Haa (ح)
Produced by gently squeezing the middle throat while exhaling warm breath, like fogging a glass window.
2. The Letter Ayn (ع)
Requires compressing the throat muscles inward to create a deep, resonant vowel constriction without nasality.
3. Avoiding False Substitutions
Never substitute Ayn with a flat Hamzah (ء) or Haa (ح) with a shallow chest Haa (هـ).
Teacher’s Expert Advice
Place two fingers lightly on your Adam’s apple to feel the muscular contraction when practicing Ayn.
Final Reflections
Our patient tutors guide you through personalized vocal drills until these sounds feel natural and smooth.
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