Pronunciation of Ma'ruf and Majhul Sounds in Teaching Recitation

Question

In one madrasa children are taught to pronounce «بہ» as «بے ہ», and in another madrasa as «بی و». Which of these two pronunciations is correct? Since the words pronounced in the two cases differ — how should it actually be taught? What is the difference between the two pronunciations? And does it make any difference in meaning?

Answer

Teaching it either way makes no difference in meaning at all. However, the correct Arabic pronunciation of «ب» is ma’ruf (clear, closed): for example, if «ب» is joined with «ی», it should be read as “bī”, not as “bay”. This matter is difficult to explain in writing; it will be understood quickly through oral pronunciation.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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