The Disconnected Letters (Muqatta’at) at the Start of Surahs: How to Read Them
The disconnected letters (muqatta’at) open 29 surahs, such as الم and يس, and they are read by the names of the letters, not as a word. Each letter follows madd rules: some have no madd, some are stretched for two counts, and eight of them are stretched for six counts.
Beginners often meet الم at the start of Surah Al-Baqarah and wonder how to read it. The answer is different from the rest of the Quran: these letters are spelled out one by one. This guide explains what they are, shows how to read the common ones, and explains the madd rules that apply. It also notes briefly what scholars say about their meaning.
What they are
The disconnected letters, called al-huruf al-muqatta’at, are combinations of one to five Arabic letters that open 29 surahs. There are 14 different combinations, and the most frequent are الم and حم, each of which opens six surahs. Examples include طه, يس, ص, ق and ن.
How to read them
They are read by the name of each letter, not by its sound, and not as a single word. For example:
| Written | Read as |
|---|---|
| الم | Alif, Lam, Meem |
| المص | Alif, Lam, Meem, Sad |
| طه | Ta, Ha |
| يس | Ya, Seen |
| حم | Ha, Meem |
| كهيعص | Kaf, Ha, Ya, ‘Ayn, Sad |
This is why the letters carry no vowel marks: each one is pronounced as its own spelled-out name.
The madd rules
Each letter name contains vowel sounds, so madd rules apply:
- No madd: the alif.
- Two counts: five letters, ح ي ط ه ر, gathered in the memory aid hayyun tahur.
- Six counts: eight letters, ن ق ص ع س ل ك م, gathered in the phrase naqasa ‘asalukum. This is madd lazim harfi, the compulsory elongation. For ع, four or six counts are taught.
So in الم the lam and the meem are each stretched for six counts, while in طه each letter is two counts. For the basic idea of elongation see our guide to madd rules.
A few advanced notes
Some combinations include further rules. In طسم, the noon at the end of the name of the letter seen merges into the meem with ghunnah. The letter ص ends in a د sound, which carries qalqalah. These details are easy to get wrong without a teacher, so practise them with one.
What do they mean?
Scholars have offered several explanations, including that they are names or abbreviations, or that they draw attention to the letters from which the Quran is composed. The general belief of most Muslims is that their full meaning is known to Allah. Reading them correctly does not depend on settling this question.
Notes and sources
- SeekersGuidance: How should the disjointed letters be recited?
- SeekersGuidance: Why do some suras start with disjointed letters?
- About Tajweed: separate letters at the start of surahs
Key Takeaways
- The letters are read by name, one by one
- Eight letters take six counts and five take two
- Scholars differ on meaning, and reading them correctly does not depend on that
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't الم read as one word?
Because these are the names of the letters, not a word. Each letter is spelled out in order.
Do all of them take six counts?
No. Only eight letters take six counts. Five take two counts and the alif takes none.
Are the muqatta'at counted as a verse?
In some surahs they are counted as a verse and in others they are not, which is one reason verse numbering differs slightly between counting traditions.
Practise the madd with a teacher
Counting six beats evenly is easier with feedback. Try a free class and read الم and يس aloud.
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