Lesson 06

Sun & Moon Letters — الحروف الشمسية والقمرية

The definite article 'Al-' is pronounced differently depending on the letter that follows it.

☀

Sun Letters — الحروف الشمسية

When ال precedes a sun letter, the Lam assimilates into that letter (the Lam is not pronounced separately).

Sun letter example

الشَّمْس

ash-Shams

the sun — Lam assimilates into Sheen

النُّور

an-Nūr

the light — Lam assimilates into Noon

الرَّحْمَن

ar-Raḥmān

the Most Merciful — Lam assimilates into Ra

☾

When ال precedes a moon letter, the Lam is pronounced clearly.

Moon letter example

الْقَمَر

al-Qamar

the moon — Lam is clearly pronounced

الْكِتَاب

al-Kitāb

the book — Lam is clearly pronounced

الْبَيْت

al-Bayt

the house — Lam is clearly pronounced

Type	Rule	Example	Pronunciation
☀ Sun letter	Lam assimilates into the letter	الشَّمْس	ash-Shams
☾ Moon letter	Lam is pronounced clearly	الْقَمَر	al-Qamar

Remember: 14 sun letters + 14 moon letters = 28 letters (Alif/Hamza counts as moon).

Sun letters are those produced close to the same articulation point as Lam.