Makharij al-Huruf — Articulation Points

Makharij al-Huruf

Makharij (مخارج) are the points of articulation — where in the mouth and throat each letter originates.

Five Regions

1. Al-Jawf (Throat cavity) — Long vowels: ا و ي

2. Al-Halq (Throat) — ء ه ع غ خ ح — 3 sub-points

- Lowest throat: ء ه

- Middle throat: ع غ

- Upper throat: خ ح

3. Al-Lisan (Tongue) — Most Arabic letters — 10 sub-points

4. Al-Shafatain (Lips) — ب م و ف

5. Al-Khayshum (Nasal cavity) — Ghunnah sounds (nasalisation)

Heavy vs Light Letters

Heavy letters (Tafkheem): خ ص ض غ ط ق ظ — recited with a "thick" sound.

Light letters (Tarqeeq): Most other letters — recited with a "thin" sound.

Exception: ر and ل (lam in Allah) can be either heavy or light depending on context.

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