Basic
Articulation Points
Surah: Maryam (30)
Al-Jawf (Empty Space) Articulation Point — The Madd Alif and Its Origin
قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ
— مريم الآية 30
Definition:
Al-Jawf (the cavity) is the internal empty space of the mouth and throat combined. It is not a specific point but an extended void.
Letters Articulated from Al-Jawf:
The three smooth madd (extension) letters:
Characteristics of This Articulation Point:
Rule:
The jawf letters are the only letters in Arabic with no physical articulation point — only empty air — hence they are called "al-hawaa'iyya" (the airy letters).
Examples:
• "Qaala" — madd alif from the jawf.
• "Yaqoolu" — madd waaw from the jawf.
• "Qeela" — madd yaa from the jawf.
Al-Jawf (the cavity) is the internal empty space of the mouth and throat combined. It is not a specific point but an extended void.
Letters Articulated from Al-Jawf:
The three smooth madd (extension) letters:
- Sukoon Alif preceded by fatha: "Qaala"
- Sukoon Waaw preceded by dhamma: "Yaqoolu"
- Sukoon Yaa preceded by kasra: "Qeela"
Characteristics of This Articulation Point:
- Not constricted to a point; the sound extends through the empty space.
- These letters cannot receive vowel marks (they are always sukoon).
- They naturally extend for 2 counts (natural madd).
- The madd alif is always sukoon — it never receives a vowel.
Rule:
The jawf letters are the only letters in Arabic with no physical articulation point — only empty air — hence they are called "al-hawaa'iyya" (the airy letters).
Examples:
• "Qaala" — madd alif from the jawf.
• "Yaqoolu" — madd waaw from the jawf.
• "Qeela" — madd yaa from the jawf.
Source: Matn Al-Jazariyya by Ibn Al-Jazari; Al-Tamheed fi Ilm Al-Tajweed by Ibn Al-Jazari
Test Yourself
What are the jawf letters? Why are they called "airy" (hawaa'iyya)?
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