Characteristics without Opposites — The Seven with Letters and Examples
tajweed
Level: intermediate
characteristics
tj-115
Seven Characteristics without Opposites:
(1) Safir (Whistling): A whistling sound. Letters: ص ز س. Examples: الصَّمَدُ، زُلْفَى، السَّمِيعُ
(2) Qalqalah (Disturbance): Letters: ق ط ب ج د ("Qutb Jadd"). See separate card.
(3) Leen (Softness): Letters: sukoon waw/ya after fathah. Examples: خَوْفٍ، الصَّيْفِ، قُرَيْشٍ
(4) Inhiraf (Deviation): Tongue deflects. Letters: ل، ر. Examples: اللهُ، رَبِّ، الْفُرْقَان
(5) Takrir (Rolling): Tongue tip vibrates. Letter: ر only. Must be hidden (not exaggerated). Examples: الرَّحْمَنُ — single tap, not rolled.
(6) Tafashi (Spreading): Sound spreads through mouth. Letter: ش only. Examples: الشَّمْسُ، شَيْءٌ
(7) Istalah (Elongation): Sound extends across tongue edge. Letter: ض only — the letter unique to Arabic. Examples: الضَّالِّينَ، الضَّحَى
Source: Matn Al-Jazariyyah verses 26-30 | At-Tamheed | Hidayat Al-Qari (p. 87)
Question: Which characteristic is exclusive to Ra only? What is its performance ruling (apparent or hidden)?
Answer: The exclusive Ra characteristic is Takrir (tongue tip vibration). Performance ruling: it must be hidden — the Ra is pronounced with a single tap, not rolled. Ibn Al-Jazari: "Hide the Takrir even when doubled"