A Theoretical Review of the Distinction Between Ikhfā’ Ḥaqīqī and Idghām in Tajweed Literature

This article examines the theoretical distinction between Ikhfā’ Ḥaqīqī and Idghām within the discipline of tajwīd through a critical review of classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship. The study is motivated by recurring misunderstandings among Qur’anic learners regarding the phonetic characteristics and practical application of these two recitation rules, particularly in relation to nūn sākinah and tanwīn. Employing a qualitative library research method with a descriptive-analytical approach, this study analyzes authoritative tajwīd treatises to delineate the conceptual boundaries between Ikhfā’ Ḥaqīqī and Idghām. The findings reveal that the two rules differ fundamentally in terms of the degree of sound assimilation, the presence or absence of nasalization (ghunnah), and the retention or loss of the nūn articulation point. This study underscores the importance of theoretical precision in tajwīd studies as a foundational element for accurate Qur’anic recitation.