Understanding Ghunnah: The Nasal Sound

What is Ghunnah?

Ghunnah (غُنَّة) is the natural nasal resonance that belongs to the letters ن (Noon) and م (Meem). It is produced through the nasal passage (al-khayshoom) and lasts 2 beats (harakaat).

When Ghunnah is Applied

• Noon mushaddad (نّ with shadda) – e.g., إِنَّ

• Meem mushaddad (مّ with shadda) – e.g., ثُمَّ

• Idghaam with ghunnah (noon sakinah + ي ن م و)

• Ikhfaa (noon sakinah before 15 letters)

• Iqlaab (noon → meem sound before ب)

• Ikhfaa Shafawi (meem sakinah before ب)

• Idghaam Shafawi (meem sakinah before م)

Measuring Ghunnah

Ghunnah should last exactly 2 harakaat (the time to open and close a finger). Practise with a metronome at first to develop consistent timing.