The Rules of Hamzatul Wasl (The Connecting Hamza): When to Pronounce it and When to Skip

For students who embark on the journey to Learn Arabic, one of the most distinctive features of the language is the presence of two types of "Hamzas."¹ While the Hamzatul Qat’ (the cutting Hamza) is always pronounced, the Hamzatul Wasl (the connecting Hamza) behaves like a linguistic bridge.²

Understanding when to pronounce this letter and when to let it drop is essential for achieving a fluid, professional recitation of the Quran and mastery of Arabic phonology.³

1. What is Hamzatul Wasl?

The Hamzatul Wasl ($text{ٱ}$) is a temporary Hamza found only at the beginning of words. Its primary function is to allow the speaker to begin a word that starts with a "Sakin" (a letter with no vowel/Sukoon). Because Arabic phonetics does not allow a word to start with a silent letter, this Hamza acts as a "starter motor."

In the 'Uthmani script, it is easily identified by a small letter Saad (⁴$text{ص}$) placed above the Alif.⁵

1. The Core Rule: To Pronounce or to Skip?

The rule for Hamzatul Wasl is governed entirely by its position in the sentence.

1. When to Pronounce It

You must pronounce the Hamzatul Wasl only when you are starting the recitation with that word. * Example: In the word "Al-Hamdu," if you start the sentence with this word, the Hamza is pronounced with a "Fatha" sound.

2. When to Skip It

You must skip the Hamzatul Wasl when it occurs in the middle of a continuous speech stream. It "connects" the end of the previous word to the silent letter of the current word.

• Example: In the phrase "Wa-shrab" (And drink), the Hamzatul Wasl between the "Wa" and the "Sheen" is ignored. You jump directly from the "Wa" to the "Sheen."

III. Determining the Vowel (Haraka) of Hamzatul Wasl

Unlike regular letters, Hamzatul Wasl does not usually have a visible vowel sign (Fatha, Kasrah, Dammah) written on it. You must determine the vowel based on the following rules:

1. In Nouns with "AL" (The Definite Article)

When starting with the definite article "AL" (الـ), the Hamzatul Wasl is always pronounced with a Fatha (an 'A' sound).

• Example: Al-Kitab, Al-Rahman.

1. In Verbs (The Third Letter Rule)

To know how to start a verb, look at the third letter of that verb:

1. If the 3rd letter has a Dammah (ُ ): Start with a Dammah.
   
   
   
   • Example: U-dkhulu (The 3rd letter 'Kha' has a Dammah).
   
   
   
   


2. If the 3rd letter has a Fatha (َ ) or Kasrah (ِ ): Start with a Kasrah.
   
   
   
   • Example: I-jlis (The 3rd letter 'Laam' has a Kasrah).
   
   
   
   

1. Summary Table for Quick Reference

Word Type	Starting Vowel	Example
Nouns with 'AL'	Always Fatha (A)	Al-Qari'ah
Verbs (3rd letter Dammah)	Dammah (U)	U-shkur
Verbs (3rd letter Fatha/Kasrah)	Kasrah (I)	I-dhhab / I-rji'
Special Irregular Nouns	Always Kasrah (I)	I-bn, I-sm, I-mra'ah

1. Why Mastery of Hamzatul Wasl Matters

When you Learn Arabic, mastering these "connecting" rules is what separates a beginner from a fluent speaker.

• Rhythmic Flow: In Quranic recitation, skipping the Hamzatul Wasl correctly creates the beautiful, unbroken melody known as Tarteel.


• Avoiding Meaning Changes: In some cases, pronouncing a Hamza that should be skipped (or vice versa) can confuse the listener regarding the grammatical structure of the sentence.

At Ayat Academy, our instructors focus heavily on these "connecting" rules. We provide students with the interactive practice needed to recognize these symbols instantly, ensuring that your recitation flows naturally and accurately.