● The alif (ا) at the beginning of ال is called hamzat al-waṣl in Arabic grammar.
● Its rule is: If another word comes before a noun beginning with ال and we join the two in reading, the alif remains in writing but is silent in pronunciation.
● Example:
○ When ذٰلِكَ + الْكِتَابُ are read together, they are pronounced as ذٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ; the sound of the alif is not pronounced.
Opening interactive controls...
The Rule of Connected Reading (Hamzat al-Waṣl)
Definite with Al and Solar/Lunar Letters
● The alif (ا) at the beginning of ال is called hamzat al-waṣl in Arabic grammar.
● Its rule is: If another word comes before a noun beginning with ال and we join the two in reading, the alif remains in writing but is silent in pronunciation.
● Example:
○ When ذٰلِكَ + الْكِتَابُ are read together, they are pronounced as ذٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ; the sound of the alif is not pronounced.