Intermediate
Characteristics
Jahr & Hams — Difference and Letters
Jahr: Airflow stops when pronouncing the letter due to strong pressure at makhraj.
Voiced letters (18): memorized from "ʿaẓuma waznu qāriʾin dhī ghaḍḍin jadda ṭalabah"
Hams: Airflow continues when pronouncing the letter due to weak pressure at makhraj.
Breathed letters (10): memorized as "faḥaththahu shakhṣun sakata" (ف ح ث ه ش خ ص س ك ت)
Quick test: Put your hand on your throat — if it vibrates = voiced (Jahr), if not = breathed (Hams)
Voiced letters (18): memorized from "ʿaẓuma waznu qāriʾin dhī ghaḍḍin jadda ṭalabah"
Hams: Airflow continues when pronouncing the letter due to weak pressure at makhraj.
Breathed letters (10): memorized as "faḥaththahu shakhṣun sakata" (ف ح ث ه ش خ ص س ك ت)
Quick test: Put your hand on your throat — if it vibrates = voiced (Jahr), if not = breathed (Hams)
Source: Matn Al-Jazariyyah by Ibn Al-Jazari (d. 833H)
Test Yourself
What are the 10 breathed (Hams) letters and the mnemonic?
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