The Difference Between Lam Shamsiya and Lam Qamariya

What Are Lam Shamsiya and Lam Qamariya?

The Lam Shamsiya (اللام الشمسية) and Lam Qamariya (اللام القمرية) are essential rules in Arabic grammar and Tajweed. Here’s what distinguishes them:

• Lam Shamsiya (اللام الشمسية):
  This type of Lam is written but not pronounced. The letter following it is always doubled (mushaddad) with a shadda ( ّ ).
• Lam Qamariya (اللام القمرية):
  This Lam is both written and pronounced with a sukoon ( ْ ). The letter following it remains unchanged.

How Lam Shamsiya and Lam Qamariya Affect Words

Example of Lam Qamariya:

• “الباب” (al-bāb): The Lam Qamariya appears in the word but does not alter the pronunciation of the following letter.

Example of Lam Shamsiya:

• “الدّرس” (ad-dars): The Lam Shamsiya causes the letter after it (د) to double, requiring a shadda.

Key Takeaway:

• Lam Shamsiya makes the following letter mushaddad (doubled).
• Lam Qamariya keeps the following letter unchanged.

Letters of Lam Shamsiya and Lam Qamariya

When adding the definite article “ال” to a word, the Lam behaves differently depending on the type of letter that follows.

Lam Shamsiya (حروف شمسية):

These are the letters that cause the Lam to be silent, and the following letter is doubled:
[ت / ث / د / ذ / ر / ز / س / ش / ص / ض / ط / ظ / ن / ل].

A poetic mnemonic to remember these letters:
“طِبْ ثُمَّ صِلْ رَحِمًا تَفُزْ صِفْ ذَا نِعَمْ
دَعْ سُــــوءَ ظَــنٍّ زُرْ شَـرِيفًا للكَــرَمْ”

Lam Qamariya (حروف قمرية):

These are the letters where the Lam is pronounced with sukoon, and the following letter remains unaffected:
[أ / ب / ج / ح / خ / ع / غ / ف / ق / ك / م / ه / و / ي].

A mnemonic for Lam Qamariya:
“حجا غبي فك مخه وقع”

Examples from Quran and Poetry

Quranic Examples

1. Lam Shamsiya:“وَالتِّينِ وَالزَّيْتُونِ” (Surah At-Tin, 1)
   Translation: “By the fig and the olive.”
   In التّين and الزّيتون, the Lam Shamsiya causes the following letters to double.
2. Lam Qamariya:“فَضَرَبْنَا عَلَىٰ آذَانِهِمْ فِي الْكَهْفِ سِنِينَ عَدَدًا” (Surah Al-Kahf, 11)
   Translation: “So We cast [a cover of sleep] over their ears within the cave for a number of years.”
   The word الكهف demonstrates the Lam Qamariya, with no doubling effect.

Poetic Example

• Lam Qamariya:“وإنما الأمم الأخلاق ما بقيت
  فإن هم ذهبت أخلاقهم ذهبوا”
  In this couplet, the Lam Qamariya appears in words like أمم and أخلاق, leaving the letters unaffected.

Exercises to Practice

Activity 1: Identify the Lam
Classify the following words as having Lam Shamsiya or Lam Qamariya:

• الشّجرة, المسجد, الطّريق, الكتاب.

Activity 2: Practice
Read verses from the Quran and identify whether the Lam in the definite article is Lam Shamsiya or Lam Qamariya.

A Fun Story for Kids

Create a story using characters named Shams (representing Lam Shamsiya) and Qamar (representing Lam Qamariya). The story can involve a playful competition to show how the Lam interacts differently with words. Use relatable examples to keep it engaging for young learners.

Mastering Lam Shamsiya and Lam Qamariya is vital for understanding Arabic grammar and improving Quran recitation. Take the next step in your learning journey by joining our online Tajweed classes. Learn from experienced teachers who make complex rules simple and engaging.