You wrote that the second alif in verse 44 of surat fussilat should be read with tashîl, meaning with an "easing" so that it is between..

Assalamu Aleikum

In your answer of question number 251104, you wrote that the second alif in verse 44 of surat fussilat should be read with tashîl, meaning with an "easing" so that it is between a hamzah and an alif. However I am still confused regarding the way it is read. Thus I listened to three different recitations of that particular alif, and I had the impression that the three Qaris read that alif as the female letter "ha" (as if there was a sukoon on the "ha"). Although I could be wrong, would you please explain how that word should be correctly pronounced? How should I read it with tashîl?

Wa salamu alaikum

Answer

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh.

It is not easy to explain the sound in words, but the  is not a  and it would be incorrect to pronounce it with a .  Think of it instead of a flat hamzah.  The articulation point of the hamzah (which is the same as the ) is used less in  to a point where it is not distinguishable as a clear hamzah, but instead in between a hamzah and an alif.  When pronouncing  you have to weaken the hamzah.  It may be beneficial for you to listen to the  of another word such as the allowed  of the word  in aayah 51 and 91 of surah Yunus.  Please click here to listen to it read with .

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatu Allah.