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Surah: Hud (2)
Separated and Joined Writing in Uthmani Script — Distinguishing "an laa" from "alaa"
أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَۚ إِنَّنِي لَكُم مِّنۡهُ نَذِيرٞ وَبَشِيرٞ
— هود الآية 2
Definition of Separated and Joined:
Maqtoo (separated): written in the Mushaf as two separate words even though pronounced as one — like the separated "an laa."
Mawsool (joined): written as one word — like the joined "allaa."
Difference between "an laa" and "allaa":
Effect on Recitation:
In both cases the noon of "an" is merged into the following laam — so the difference is not heard but is seen in scribal form and stopping. When stopping on the separated "an," stop on noon with sukoon; stopping on "an" from joined "allaa" is not valid.
How to Identify:
Check the Mushaf you are reading: if there is a space between "an" and "laa" it is separated; if "allaa" appears as one word it is joined.
Maqtoo (separated): written in the Mushaf as two separate words even though pronounced as one — like the separated "an laa."
Mawsool (joined): written as one word — like the joined "allaa."
Difference between "an laa" and "allaa":
- "An laa" (separated): "An" (infinitive particle) + "laa" (negation). Follows verbs of will or command. Example: "Wa an laa taloo ala-llah" (Al-Dukhan: 19) — "an" and "laa" are written separately.
- "Allaa" (joined): "An" + "laa" merged in one script — often as an urging particle or in specific contexts. Example: "Allaa tabudoo illaa-llah" (Hud: 2).
Effect on Recitation:
In both cases the noon of "an" is merged into the following laam — so the difference is not heard but is seen in scribal form and stopping. When stopping on the separated "an," stop on noon with sukoon; stopping on "an" from joined "allaa" is not valid.
How to Identify:
Check the Mushaf you are reading: if there is a space between "an" and "laa" it is separated; if "allaa" appears as one word it is joined.
Source: Al-Muqni by Al-Dani; Al-Tayseer by Al-Dani; Hidayat Al-Qari by Al-Mursifi
Test Yourself
Does the difference between separated "an laa" and joined "allaa" appear in pronunciation? What is the practical difference?
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