● To make an indefinite noun definite, add ال at the beginning.
● Rule (removing tanwīn): When ال is added to the beginning of a noun, the tanwīn (two fatḥahs, two kasrahs, or two ḍammahs) must be removed from the final letter, leaving one fatḥah, kasrah, or ḍammah.
● Examples:
○ كِتَابٌ (a book) → الْكِتَابُ (the specific book — the two ḍammahs become one ḍammah)
○ قَلَمٌ (a pen) → الْقَلَمُ (the specific pen — the tanwīn is removed)
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The Rule for Adding ال (Definite with Al)
Definite with Al and Solar/Lunar Letters
● To make an indefinite noun definite, add ال at the beginning.
● Rule (removing tanwīn): When ال is added to the beginning of a noun, the tanwīn (two fatḥahs, two kasrahs, or two ḍammahs) must be removed from the final letter, leaving one fatḥah, kasrah, or ḍammah.
● Examples:
○ كِتَابٌ (a book) → الْكِتَابُ (the specific book — the two ḍammahs become one ḍammah)
○ قَلَمٌ (a pen) → الْقَلَمُ (the specific pen — the tanwīn is removed)