Ghunnah is the nasal sound that comes from the nose (Al-Khayshum). It is a natural part of the letters ู and ู , and becomes more noticeable in certain Tajweed rules.
Try It Yourself
Say "nnn" and gently pinch your nose. The sound stops. That's Ghunnah: the sound is passing through your nasal passage.
When Is Ghunnah Emphasised?
| Situation | Example | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Noon or meem with shaddah | ุฅูููู ุ ุซูู ูู | About 2 counts |
| Ikhfa (Noon Sakinah/Tanween) | ู ููู ููุจููู | About 2 counts |
| Idgham with Ghunnah | ู ููู ููุนูู ููู | About 2 counts |
| Iqlab | ู ููู ุจูุนูุฏู | About 2 counts |
| Ikhfa / Idgham Shafawi | ููู ู ุจููู ุ ููููู ู ู ูุง | About 2 counts |
Common Mistakes
- Skipping Ghunnah entirely on ุฅูููู and ุซูู ูู
- Holding it too long or too short
- Adding Ghunnah where Izhar applies
Learn the related rules: Noon Sakinah & Tanween and Meem Sakinah.
Tajweed
Recite the Quran fluently and beautifully with Tajweed rules and a qualified Qari.
Learn more โ Free trial
My Online Quran Tutor Teaching Team
Written by our team of Quran teachers in Lahore, following our editorial policy. Last updated 2026-10-20.
Written by our team of Quran teachers in Lahore, following our editorial policy. Last updated 2026-10-20.
Safe for Kids
Male & Female Teachers
Online Classes From Anywhere
Qualified Quran Teachers
Live 1-to-1 Classes
WhatsApp Support
Families in 31 Countries
100% Islamic Curriculum