Al-Idgham Al-Kabir — A Prominent Feature of Abu Amr
readings
Level: advanced
terminology
rdg-014
مَن يَعۡمَلۡ سُوٓءٗا يُجۡزَ بِهِۦ
— النساء 123
Definition: Al-idgham al-kabir: assimilation concerning two moving letters — the first assimilated into the second when adjacent. Specific to Abu Amr Al-Basri and Ya'qub.
Three types: (1) Al-mutamathilan: two identical letters — "man nasarahu" → "mannas-sarahu." (2) Al-mutajansian: two letters of identical articulation point. (3) Al-mutaqariban: two letters with adjacent articulation points.
Difference from al-saghir: Small idgham: sukun letter into moving — the common noon sakinah assimilation. Large idgham: moving letter into moving.
Source: Al-Nashr (1/275); Al-Dani (p.11); Al-Shatibiyya
Question: What is the key difference between al-idgham al-kabir and al-saghir?
Answer: Al-saghir: assimilation of a sukun letter into a moving letter. Al-kabir: assimilation of a moving letter into a moving letter — rarer and more complex.