How to Pronounce Arabic Letters Correctly (Makharij)

Date: 2026-06-26

The biggest hurdle for non-Arab Muslims learning the Quran is pronunciation. English speakers, for example, do not have letters that sound like the Arabic "Khaa" (خ) or "Ayn" (ع).

The secret to fixing this is understanding Makharij.

What are Makharij?

Makharij is the plural of Makhraj. It means the "point of articulation." It is the exact place in your mouth or throat where a letter's sound is produced.

There are 5 main areas of the mouth and throat used for Arabic letters:

  1. The empty space in the mouth and throat
  2. The throat itself (divided into bottom, middle, and top)
  3. The tongue
  4. The lips
  5. The nasal cavity

The "Ayn" vs "Alif" Problem

Let's look at a common mistake. Many beginners pronounce the letter "Ayn" (ع) just like "Alif" (ا).

But they are completely different! "Alif" comes from the empty space of the mouth. "Ayn" comes from the middle of the throat. If you don't squeeze the middle of your throat, you are pronouncing it wrong.

How to Fix Your Pronunciation

You cannot learn Makharij by reading a blog post or watching a YouTube video. You must have a qualified teacher listen to you.

At Global Quran Institute, our certified Qaris specialize in correcting Makharij for non-Arab speakers. We will show you exactly where to put your tongue to make the right sound.

Check out our affordable fee plans and register for a free trial class to get a free evaluation of your pronunciation!

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