Definition:
Ghunna is a resonant nasal sound that emerges from the nasal passage (khayshoom), with no involvement of the tongue. It is an inherent attribute of Noon (ن) and Meem (م) in all their states.
Degrees of Ghunna (strongest to weakest):
- Shaddah (Doubled): Doubled noon or meem — strongest ghunna, 2 counts. E.g., "inna," "thumma."
- Idghaam with Ghunna: Noon or tanween merged into a ghunna letter (ي ن م و) — full ghunna. E.g., "min maa'in."
- Ikhfaa (Concealment): Noon or tanween concealed before the 15 ikhfaa letters — partial visible ghunna.
- Izhhaar Sakin: Sukoon noon or meem before non-ghunna letters — faint inherent ghunna.
- Mutaharrik (Voweled): Voweled noon or meem — weakest ghunna.
Duration of Ghunna:
Approximately 2 counts (roughly one second). Teachers often use the movement of the index finger to help students regulate its duration.
Examples:
• "Inna Allah" (Al-Baqarah: 20) — doubled noon: highest degree of ghunna.
• "Min maa'in maheen" (Al-Mursalat: 20) — full idghaam with ghunna.
Question: What is the strongest degree of ghunna and the weakest? Give an example of each.
Answer: Strongest: the doubled (inna, thumma). Weakest: the voweled (na'am, ma'a)