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:
- 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
Rule: When "ibn" appears between two proper names as a description and is singular — its alif is omitted in Uthmani script, e.g., "Isa bnu Maryam" without alif.
Question: When is the alif of "ibn" omitted in Uthmani script?
Answer: It is omitted when "ibn" appears as a description between two proper names and is singular — like "Isa bn Maryam" written without alif in the script.