• As we discussed in a previous post that Definite nouns have SEVEN Types, today we are going to look closely at the second type of them.

(2) The definite Noun starting with Al-  الاسم الذى يبدأ بـ الـ

• In Arabic, an indefinite noun can turn into a definite noun by adding the two letters prefix (AL) or (الـ ) or (ألف + لام) to the beginning if this noun.
• The Arabic (AL) or (الـ) is equal to the English definite article “the“.

Examples:

Pronouncing the definite prefix (AL)

• The definite prefix “al, ال ” is not all the time pronounced as / al /.
• The “al, ال ” can be pronounced fully with the sound (L, ل ) clearly pronounced with the other sounds in the noun that follows and hence it is called “The Lunar Laam اللام القمرية “.
• Or the “al, ال ” is not pronounced fully as the (L, ل ) sound is dropped or assimilated by the following letter in the noun that follows and hence it is called “The Solar Laam اللام الشمسية “.
• When the noun starts with the Solar Laam, the letter that follows the /ل / sound is doubled (you apply a Shadda to it). 
• “The Lunar (Sun) Laam” is named after the noun of “the moon القمر “.
• “The Solar (Sun) Laam” is named after the noun of “the sun الشمس “.

(1) The Lunar Laam Rule :

•   Pronounce the Laam /ل / fully and clearly when it is followed by one of these letters:

( أ  ب ج ح خ ع غ ف ق ك  م هـ و ى  )

         OR you can memorize this phrase which contains all these letters :

( ابغ حجك و خف عقيمه ) = Seek your pilgrimage and fear spoiling it.

(2) The Solar Laam Rule :

•  Drop the Laam /ل /  if followed by one of these letters:

(ت ث د ذ ر ز س ش ص ض ط ظ  ل ن   )

Note (1) : When the Laam is dropped, the letters above are doubled (You apply a Shadda to them)                            

Note (2) : The Laam is dropped only in PRONUNCIATION but It is written all the time.

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Next time, we will continue looking at Definite Demonstrative Nouns.

Check us back soon

Peace سلام   /Salam/