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Urdu has borrowed many Arabic words and letters, but it pronounces several of them differently from Arabic. That is why Urdu speakers who read the Quran fluently often carry a few consistent pronunciation habits. The good news is that these mistakes are predictable, so they can be fixed with focused practice and a teacher who listens carefully.
Why These Mistakes Happen
In Urdu, letters such as ث, س and ص are usually all pronounced like “s”, and ذ, ز, ض and ظ are usually all pronounced like “z”. Throat letters are often softened. When reading the Quran, these Urdu habits carry over, and different Arabic letters start to sound the same. In Arabic, each of these letters has its own articulation point (makhraj) and characteristics, and confusing them can change the meaning of a word.
The Most Common Mistakes, Letter by Letter
| Letters | Common Urdu habit | The correct Arabic sound in brief |
|---|---|---|
| ث | Read as “s” | Tip of the tongue touches the edge of the upper front teeth; a soft “th” as in “think” |
| ذ | Read as “z” | Same place as ث, but voiced; “th” as in “this” |
| ظ | Read as “z” | Same place as ذ, but heavy, with the back of the tongue raised |
| ض | Read as “z” or “d” | The side of the tongue against the upper back teeth; a heavy letter with its own distinct sound |
| ص | Read as a light “s” | A heavy “s”, with the back of the tongue raised |
| ع | Dropped, or read like a hamza | From the middle of the throat, with a tightening of the throat |
| ح | Read like ه (“h”) | From the middle of the throat, a breathy, strong “h” |
| ق | Read like ک (“k”) | From the very back of the tongue against the soft palate; heavy |
| ط | Read like a light “t” | A heavy “t”, with the back of the tongue raised |
Written descriptions only go so far. The quickest way to learn these sounds is to hear a teacher pronounce them and repeat them with correction.
Other Common Habits
- Vowels too long or too short: short vowels stretched like long ones, or madd not given its full length.
- Heavy and light letters mixed: heavy letters read lightly, or the letter ر made heavy or light in the wrong places.
- Ghunnah: the nasal sound in noon and meem with shaddah not held for its full length.
- Qalqalah: the slight bounce in ق, ط, ب, ج and د when they have a sukun, often missing.
- Stopping: stopping in the middle of a phrase where the meaning is not complete.
How to Practise at Home
- Work on pairs: practise س and ص, then ث and س, then ذ, ز and ظ, reading short words that contain each letter.
- Use a mirror: for ث, ذ and ظ, check that the tip of your tongue is visible between the teeth.
- Listen first: before reading a passage, listen to a clear recitation of it and copy the sounds.
- Record yourself: once a week, record a short passage and compare it with the recitation.
- Slow down: read slowly enough that each letter comes out correctly; speed comes later.
- One letter per week: choose one sound to focus on, and listen for it in everything you read that week.
Why a Teacher Makes the Difference
Many people cannot hear their own mistakes, because their ear is used to the Urdu sound. A qualified teacher hears each letter and corrects it immediately, before the habit is repeated again. In a one-to-one class this happens on every line you read. At Elbayan Academy, all teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University and hold an Ijazah with a connected Sanad.
How Long Does It Take?
It depends on how strong the habits are and how often you practise. Regular classes and daily practice make the biggest difference, and the hardest letters usually take the longest to become natural. A monthly progress report helps you see which letters are fixed and which still need work.
Language of Classes
Classes are taught in English, Arabic and French, not in Urdu. For learners who read the Quran fluently, most of the class is recitation and correction, so this rarely causes difficulty. Students who read from an Indo-Pak Mushaf can continue with it; read our Madani and Indo-Pak Mushaf comparison.
Start Fixing Your Tajweed
Our Quran recitation and Tajweed course works through these letters and rules step by step, in one-to-one, 30-minute classes. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16, and the first class is a free trial. Learners in Pakistan can also read our guide to learning with Egyptian teachers from Pakistan, and children can start with Tajweed for children.
Start with a Free Trial Class
Elbayan Academy teaches one-to-one, 30-minute online classes with certified teachers from Al-Azhar University, each holding an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Female teachers are available, classes run 24/7, and you receive a monthly progress report. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16. Book a free trial class on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Tajweed mistakes do Urdu speakers make most often?
Merging letters that sound the same in Urdu: ث, س and ص as "s"; ذ, ز, ض and ظ as "z"; softening ع and ح; and reading ق like ک.
Can these mistakes be fixed as an adult?
Yes. With a teacher who corrects each letter and regular practice, adults can fix these habits. How long it takes depends on the habit and how often you practise.
Why can't I hear my own mistakes?
Your ear is used to the Urdu sounds, so different Arabic letters may sound the same to you. A teacher can hear and correct the difference.
Are classes taught in Urdu?
No. Classes are taught in English, Arabic and French.
Which course helps with these mistakes?
The Quran recitation and Tajweed course, in one-to-one, 30-minute classes with Al-Azhar certified teachers.
