When Two Letters Meet: Mithlayn, Mutajanisayn, Mutaqaribayn
3 rules · 214times in the Quran
A letter with no vowel that meets the next one is said according to how the two are related. Two identical letters: Idgham Mithlayn. Same point of articulation, different qualities: Idgham Mutajanisayn. Neighbouring points: Idgham Mutaqaribayn. In Hafs, the first merges into the second where the Mushaf writes a shaddah; elsewhere, each letter is said.
The rules, one by one
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Idgham Mithlayn
إدغام مثلينTwo identical letters follow each other, the first with no vowel: it merges into the second, which is said doubled.
A letter with no vowel, then the same letter with a vowel, in one word or across two: all readers merge them. In the Mushaf, the first has no sign and the second carries a shaddah. Noon and meem have their own lesson (with the nasal sound).
143 times in the Quran -
Idgham Mutajanisayn
إدغام متجانسينA letter with no vowel, then a letter from the same place in the mouth: the first merges into the second.
First letter with no vowel: among ت, د and ط; among ث, ذ and ظ; or from ب into م. A ṭā before a tā keeps its heaviness: the merger there is incomplete.
58 times in the Quran -
Idgham Mutaqaribayn
إدغام متقاربينA letter with no vowel, then a letter from a neighbouring place: the first merges into the second.
In Hafs, two cases: a lām with no vowel before a rā, and the qāf before the kāf (77:20). The Mushaf shows them: no sukoon on the first letter, a shaddah on the second. Except in 83:14, where a short pause (sakt) prevents the merger.
13 times in the Quran
One example per rule
Tap ▶ to hear the word in its verse, recited by al-Husary.
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يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ
yajʿallahū
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عَبَدتُّمْ
ʿabattum
The dāl merges into the tā, a letter from the same point of articulation: a doubled tā is said.
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قُل رَّبِّىٓ
qurrabbī
The lām merges into the rā, a close letter: a doubled rā is said.
Each rule in numbers
| Rule | In the Quran | Surahs |
|---|---|---|
| Idgham Mithlayn | 143 | 49 |
| Idgham Mutajanisayn | 58 | 29 |
| Idgham Mutaqaribayn | 13 | 9 |
Counted on the text of the Madani Mushaf (Hafs reading).
Computed by Tilawa on the text of the Madani Mushaf (Hafs reading), from the letter that follows.
What I show you when you recite
Frequently asked questions
How many times do these rules occur in the Quran?
Idgham Mithlayn: 143, Idgham Mutajanisayn: 58 and Idgham Mutaqaribayn: 13. In all, 214 occurrences, counted on the text of the Madani Mushaf.
Idgham Mithlayn or Idgham Mutajanisayn: what is the difference?
Idgham Mithlayn: two identical letters follow each other, the first with no vowel: it merges into the second, which is said doubled. Idgham Mutajanisayn: a letter with no vowel, then a letter from the same place in the mouth: the first merges into the second.
How do I know whether the first letter merges?
Look at the Mushaf. A sukoon on the first letter: it is said. No sign on it and a shaddah on the second: it merges completely. Ṭā before tā keeps its heaviness: the tā has no shaddah.
How can I check my tajweed when I recite?
Tajweed is learned by ear: you need to hear yourself. Recite out loud in the Tilawa app, on iPhone or Android. It follows your recitation word by word and shows you the rules you missed or got wrong, with the correct recitation to replay.
Tilawa editorial team · Updated 2026-10-24 · Report an error