SUKUUN AND SHADDAH السكون والشدة

Arabic Lessons for English Speakers

حول الدرس

In this lesson we will cover one more diacritical mark (i.e. a mark added to a letter to indicate a special pronunciation) in the Arabic language called the /Sukūn/ In-Shā’-Allâh (God wiling). The /Sukūn/ is in the shape of a circle and is written above a letter to show that there is no vowel on the letter. Hence, we emphasise the letter by stopping in our pronunciation of it. This will require us to join letters. Although we have not covered the rules relating to joining of letters (covered in a later lesson). We will use simple words to demonstrate the usage of the /Sukūn/.
Please click on the words to hear how they are pronounced. This is a good opportunity for you to learn how to read basic Arabic words. Please don’t worry if you find it difficult to read the words by putting the letters together. We will go over reading words in more detail later In-Shā’-Allâh (God wiling). At this stage focus on the principle of the /Sukūn/ and try your best to read the words.

We will now cover the /Shaddah/ In-Shā’-Allâh (God wiling). The /Shaddah/ is a diacritical mark written above a letter to show that the letter has been doubled and therefore increases in emphasis. Once again, please don’t worry if you find joining the letters and vowel-marks or reading difficult. Try your best to join the sounds and letters at this stage and pay attention to the sound of the letter which has the /Shaddah/ on it.