Tafkhim & Tarqiq

Ra Tafkhim

The ra is read heavy.

رَاء مُفَخَّمَة
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What is this rule?

Ra is read heavy (tafkhim) when it carries a fathah or dhammah, or when it is silent but the preceding letter carries a fathah/dhammah.

How to read it

Raise the back of the tongue to produce a full, weighty 'ro/ru'.

Trigger letters

Ra with a fathah/dhammah, or a silent ra preceded by a fathah/dhammah.

رَرُرْ

Examples of Ra Tafkhim in the Qur'an

Surah Al-Fatihah 1:2
رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

rabbil-'ālamīn

"[All] praise is [due] to Allāh, Lord of the worlds -"

Surah Al-Kawthar 108:2
فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَٱنْحَرْ

faṣalli lirabbika wanḥar

"So pray to your Lord and offer sacrifice [to Him alone]."

Surah Al-Buruj 85:1
ذَاتِ ٱلْبُرُوجِ

dhātil-burūj

"By the sky containing great stars"

Frequently asked questions

What is Ra Tafkhim in tajwid?

The ra is read heavy. Ra is read heavy (tafkhim) when it carries a fathah or dhammah, or when it is silent but the preceding letter carries a fathah/dhammah.

How do you pronounce Ra Tafkhim?

Raise the back of the tongue to produce a full, weighty 'ro/ru'.

Which letters trigger Ra Tafkhim?

There are 3 letters: رَ رُ رْ. Ra with a fathah/dhammah, or a silent ra preceded by a fathah/dhammah.

What is an example of Ra Tafkhim in the Quran?

One example is in Surah Al-Fatihah 1:2: "رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ" (rabbil-'ālamīn) — "[All] praise is [due] to Allāh, Lord of the worlds -".

Other rules in Tafkhim & Tarqiq

Lam Jalalah
The lam in the name of Allah: heavy or light.
لَام الجَلَالَة
Ra Tarqiq
The ra is read light.
رَاء مُرَقَّقَة

See all Tafkhim & Tarqiq rules → · Complete list of rules →