When pronouncing the letter ء with a vowel (harakat), are we supposed to close our vocal cords?
Assalamu alaikum,
When pronouncing the letter ء with harakat, are we supposed to close our vocal cords once I come to the letter and then open to pronounce it?
I understand how it is done when it has sukun, but when it has other tashkeel I get confused.
Jazakallah khair
The Answer
Wa alikom asslam wa rahmatu Allahi taala wa barakatuh,
Alhamdulilah
Yes, precisely, the short vowel comes AFTER the consonant, not before or during. This means that, FIRST: you close your vocal cords for the hamza (which is the consonant), and SECOND: you follow it with the short vowel.
It works exactly the same way as any other consonant with a short vowel. So, بُ is pronounced “bu” after the air comes out of your lips, you follow it with the short vowel. That’s the same case with hamza.
If you want to be sure, you can record your recitation, and I will let you know if you got it right.
Hope this answers the question in shaa Allah.Allah knows best.
Asslamo alikom