Intermediate
Foundations
Connecting vs. Cutting the Hamza in "Ibn" — When to Write and Pronounce It
The basis of "ibn":
"Ibn" begins with a hamzat al-wasl — a hamza pronounced when starting and dropped when connecting in speech.
Rules in the Quran:
"Ibn" begins with a hamzat al-wasl — a hamza pronounced when starting and dropped when connecting in speech.
Rules in the Quran:
- Dropped in writing and speech when it appears between two proper names as a description — "Isa ibn Maryam" is written "Isa-bna Maryam" without alif, and the hamza is not pronounced when connecting
- Written and pronounced when it begins a sentence or follows a pause
- Specific Uthmani script positions: Some positions are written connected, others separate — the mushaf's script is followed
Source: Al-Nashr (1/260); Al-Dani, Al-Muqni'; Al-Marghani, Dalil Al-Hayran
Test Yourself
When is the alif of "ibn" omitted in Uthmani script?
Show Answer