The Rules Governing Madd (Elongation)

 

A. Madd Asli (Intrinsic Madd)

1. Natural Madd (Al-Madd Al-Ṭabī‘ī)

Question: What is natural madd, and can you provide an example?

A: Natural Madd (al-madd al-ṭabī‘ī) is the elongation that occurs when neither a hamzah (glottal stop) nor a sukūn (non-vowelled consonant) precedes or follows the elongation letter. Examples include:

• ﴿قالَ﴾
• ﴿يَقُولُ﴾
• ﴿قِيلَ﴾

 

Question: What is its duration?

A: It is extended by two counts (ḥarakāt), such as in {نُوحِيها}.

Recitation Example:

Reflect upon the natural madd in the following chapter:

Allah Almighty says:

﴿وَالْعَصْرِ (1) إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ (2) إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ﴾

2. Substitution Madd (Madd Al-Badal)

Question: What is substitution madd, and can you provide an example?
A: Substitution Madd (madd al-badal) occurs when a hamzah precedes the letter of elongation. Examples include:

• ﴿آدَمَ﴾
• ﴿أُوتُوا﴾
• ﴿إِيمَاناً﴾

 

Question: What is its duration?
A: It is extended by two counts, regardless of whether the recitation is continuous or paused.

 

Question: Are there additional examples?
A: Certainly, there are numerous examples, such as:

• ﴿مُتَّكِئِينَ﴾
• ﴿مسؤولا﴾
• ﴿الْقُرْآنُ﴾
• ﴿رؤوسهم﴾
• ﴿أُوتِيَ﴾
• ﴿آتِنَا﴾

 

3. Compensatory Madd (Madd Al-‘Iwaḍ)

Question: What is compensatory madd

A: Compensatory Madd (madd al-‘iwaḍ) occurs when stopping at a word ending in a tanwīn of nasb (accusative case). Examples include:

• ﴿غَفُوراً﴾
• ﴿رَحِيماً﴾
• ﴿شَكُوراً﴾

 

Question: What is its duration

A: It is extended by two counts, but only when pausing on the word.

 

Question: Are there additional examples?

A: Yes, particularly at the endings of verses, such as:

• ﴿حَكِيماً﴾
• ﴿حَمِيداً﴾
• ﴿عَلِيماً﴾
• ﴿كَرِيماً﴾
• ﴿غَرْقاً﴾
• ﴿نَشْطاً﴾
• ﴿سَبْحاً﴾
• ﴿أَفْوَاجاً﴾

 

4. Connection Madd (Madd Al-Ṣilah)

Question: What is madd al-ṣilah, and what are its types?

A: Madd al-Ṣilah refers to the elongation associated with the pronoun hā’ in the singular, masculine, third-person form when it is connected to a following word. It is divided into two categories:

 

i. Minor Connection Madd (Madd Al-Ṣilah Al-Ṣughrā)

This occurs when the hā’ is followed by a non-hamzah consonant. Examples include:

• ﴿لَهُ مَا فِي﴾
• ﴿كِتَابَهُ وَرَاءَ ظَهْرِهِ﴾

 

This type is classified under intrinsic madd as it is not extended beyond two counts.

 

ii. Major Connection Madd (Madd Al-Ṣilah Al-Kubrā)

This occurs when the hā’ is followed by a hamzah. Examples include:

• ﴿مَالَهُ أَخْلَدَهُ﴾
• ﴿وَثَاقَهُ أَحَدٌ﴾

This type is classified as secondary madd.

 

B. Secondary Madd (Al-Madd Al-Far‘ī)

Question: What is secondary madd?

A: Secondary Madd (al-madd al-far‘ī) refers to elongation that exceeds two counts due to the presence of a hamzah or sukūn combined with a letter of elongation.

 

A. Madd Caused by Hamzah

1. Mandatory Connected Madd (Al-Madd Al-Wājib Al-Muttaṣil)

It Occurs when a hamzah follows a letter of elongation within the same word. Examples include:

• ﴿شَاءَ﴾
• ﴿الْمَلَائِكَةِ﴾
• ﴿سُوءَ﴾

 

Duration: Four or five counts, with four being preferred.

 

2. Permissible Disconnected Madd (Al-Madd Al-Jā’iz Al-Munfaṣil)

Occurs when the elongation letter is at the end of one word, and the hamzah begins the following word. Examples include:

• ﴿تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ﴾
• ﴿بِمَا أَوْحَيْنَا﴾
• ﴿وَفِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ﴾

 

Duration: Four or five counts (preferred: four); occasionally, it may be shortened to two counts.

 

B. Madd Caused by Sukūn

1. Necessary Madd (Al-Madd Al-Lāzim)

It occurs when a letter of elongation is followed by a permanent sukūn. Examples include:

• ﴿الصَّاخَّةُ﴾
• ﴿دَابَّةٍ﴾
• ﴿الْحَاقَّةُ﴾

 

Duration: Always six counts.

 

2. Accidental Madd for Pause (Al-Madd Al-‘Āriḍ Lil-Sukūn)

Occurs when a temporary sukūn is introduced during a pause. Examples include:

• ﴿الْمَآبِ﴾
• ﴿الْعَالَمِينَ﴾
• ﴿الرَّحِيمِ﴾

Duration: Two, four, or six counts, depending on the chosen recitation style.

 

3. Soft Madd (Madd Al-Līn)

Question: What is soft madd, and can you provide examples?

A: Soft Madd (madd al-līn) occurs when a wāw or yā’ devoid of a vowel is preceded by a fathah. Examples include:

• ﴿خَوْفٌ﴾
• ﴿شَيْءٍ﴾

Duration: Two, four, or six counts.

Recitation Example:

Reflect upon the soft madd in the following chapter: Allah Almighty says:

﴿لِإِيلَافِ قُرَيْشٍ (1) إِيلَافِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ الشِّتَاءِ وَالصَّيْفِ (2) فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَذَا الْبَيْتِ (3) الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُمْ مِنْ جُوعٍ وَآمَنَهُمْ مِنْ خَوْفٍ (4)﴾

The Rules Governing the Sakin Meem and Madd (Elongation)

 

The Rules Governing the Sakin Meem

Q: What is the sakin meem, and what are its governing principles?

A:

The meem (م) is a letter articulated by the complete closure of the two lips. Its phonetic realisation is subject to three principal rules: ikhfa' shafawi (labial concealment), idgham shafawi (labial assimilation), and izhar shafawi (labial clarity).

 

1. Ikhfa' Shafawi (Labial Concealment)

Ikhfa' shafawi occurs when the letter ba’ (ب) follows the sakin meem. In such instances, the meem is articulated in a concealed manner while retaining a nasal resonance (ghunnah). Examples include:

• ﴿تَرْمِيهِمْ بِحِجارَةٍ﴾.
• ﴿وَهُمْ بِالْآخِرَةِ﴾.

 

2. Idgham Shafawi (Labial Assimilation)

This rule is applied when a sakin meem is immediately followed by another meem. In such a scenario, the first meem is assimilated into the second, a phenomenon referred to as idgham of identical letters (idgham al-mithlayn or idgham al-mutamathilayn). Examples include:

• ﴿فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ﴾
• ﴿لَهُمْ ما يشاؤون﴾.

 

3. Izhar Shafawi (Labial Clarity)

Izhar shafawi is implemented when the sakin meem is followed by any letter of the Arabic alphabet other than ba’ (ب) or meem (م). The meem is articulated distinctly, with additional clarity emphasised before the letters fa’ (ف) and waw (و). Examples include:

• ﴿مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ﴾
• ﴿وَهُمْ فِيهَا﴾

 

The Rules Governing Madd (Elongation)

Q: What is the definition of madd in linguistic and technical terms?

A:

• Linguistic Definition: The term madd signifies augmentation or extension.
• Technical Definition: Madd refers to the lengthening of a sound when pronouncing a letter of elongation (harf al-madd).

Q: What are the letters of madd?

A: The letters of madd are three:

1. Alif (ا): A static alif preceded by a letter bearing a fatḥah.
2. Waw (و): A static waw preceded by a letter bearing a ḍammah.
3. Ya’ (ي): A static ya’ preceded by a letter bearing a kasrah.

These letters are summarised in the word {نُوحِيهَا}.

 

Q: What are the types of madd?

A: Madd is divided into two primary categories, encompassing nine distinct types.

 

A. Madd Asli (Intrinsic Madd)

This form of madd is fundamental to the structure of the letter and does not depend on an external cause, such as the presence of a hamzah or a sukoon. It is extended by the duration of two counts (harakah).

The intrinsic madd includes the following four types:

1. Natural Madd (al-madd al-tabi’i)
2. Substitution Madd (madd al-badal)
3. Compensatory Madd (madd al-‘iwad)
4. Small Link Madd (madd al-silah al-sughra)

 

B. Madd Far‘i (Secondary Madd)

Secondary madd arises due to the occurrence of a hamzah or sukoon in conjunction with a letter of elongation.

It encompasses the following five types:

1. Mandatory Connected Madd (al-madd al-wajib al-muttasil)
2. Permissible Disconnected Madd (al-madd al-ja’iz al-munfasil)
3. Necessary Madd (al-madd al-lazim)
4. Soft Madd (madd al-lin)
5. Accidental Madd for Pause (madd al-‘arid lil-sukun)

Additionally, the greater link madd (madd al-silah al-kubra) is categorised under the permissible disconnected madd (al-madd al-ja’iz al-munfasil).

Definition of Tajweed and The Principles Govern Sakin Nun (ن) and Tanween

 

Rules of Tajweed (Level One)

Definitions and Principles

Q: What is the definition of Tajweed, both linguistically and technically?

A:

• Linguistic Definition: Tajweed signifies improvement or embellishment.
• Technical Definition: Tajweed refers to the science by which every letter is articulated with its rightful properties and dues, precisely as it was conveyed by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to his followers.

Q: What is the objective of Tajweed?

A: The primary objective of Tajweed is to safeguard the tongue from errors during the recitation of the Noble Qur'an, thus preserving the sanctity of its divine verses.

Q: What is the benefit of Tajweed?

A: The ultimate benefit of Tajweed lies in attaining the pleasure of Allah, the Most High, through the precise and reverent recitation of His divine Book.

Q: What is the ruling regarding the study of Tajweed?

A:

1. Theoretical Tajweed: The study of Tajweed’s principles and rules constitutes a communal obligation (fard kifayah) upon the Muslim ummah.
2. Practical Tajweed: The proper recitation of the Qur'an, conforming to the way the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) articulated it, is an individual obligation (fard ‘ayn) upon every Muslim, as far as their ability permits. This ruling is derived from Allah's command:

"And recite the Qur'an with measured recitation." (Al-Muzzammil 73:4)

Q: Allah has commanded to recite the Qur'an with measured recitation. How is this command to be implemented?

A: The scholars of Tajweed, Qur'anic recitation, and reading have reached a consensus that the Qur'an must be recited in a manner that adheres to the specific method in which it was revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). This method was transmitted by the noble companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to subsequent generations, ensuring its preservation until our time. This manner of recitation is characterised by:

1. The precise articulation of each word,
2. The refinement of the pronunciation of every letter,
3. The enhancement of the recitation by granting each letter its due, with meticulous attention to clarity, beauty, and precision.

This approach embodies the essence of Allah’s command: "And recite the Qur'an with measured recitation." (Al-Muzzammil 73:4).

Q: What are the levels of Qur'anic recitation?

A: The recitation of the Qur'an is categorised into three distinct levels:

1. Tahqeeq (Measured Recitation): This entails the careful articulation of every letter, prolonging elongations (mad), enunciating glottal stops (hamzah), ensuring the full execution of vowel movements, and reading with deliberation, tranquillity, and precision.
2. Hadr (Rapid Recitation): This involves a faster pace of recitation while maintaining adherence to the rules of Tajweed.
3. Tadweer (Moderate Recitation): This occupies a middle ground between tahqiq and hadr, balancing pace and precision.

It should be noted that tarteel (measured recitation) encompasses all three levels. Therefore, a person reciting in the manner of tahqeeq, tadweer, or hadr is considered to be fulfilling the command of tarteel.

The Principles Governing the Sakin Nun (ن) and Tanween (تنوين)

Q: What are the rules regulating the sakin nun (ن) and tanween (تنوين)?

A:

The sakin nun and tanween are subject to four principal phonological rules in the context of Arabic orthography and pronunciation. These rules—each determined by the letter following the sakin nun or tanween—are as follows: izhar (clarity), idgham (assimilation), iqlab (conversion), and ikhfa’ (concealment).

 

1. Izhar (Clarity)

Q: What is the linguistic and technical definition of izhar?

A:

• Linguistic Definition: The term izhar connotes clarity, explicitness, and unambiguous articulation.
• Technical Definition: Izhar refers to the enunciation of each letter from its point of articulation in a distinct and unmerged manner, free from nasalisation (ghunnah).

When the sakin nun or tanween is immediately followed by one of the six throat letters (huruf al-halq), izhar is obligatorily applied, ensuring precise and unaltered pronunciation of the subsequent letters without nasalisation.

Q: What are the six throat letters (huruf al-halq)?

A: The six throat letters, articulated from various points within the throat, are:

1. Hamzah (ء)
2. Ha’ (ه)
3. ‘Ain (ع)
4. Ha’ (ح)
5. Ghain (غ)
6. Kha’ (خ)

To aid memorisation, a mnemonic has been devised:

"Akhī hāk ‘ilman ḥāzahu ghayra khāsir"

(أخي هاك علمًا حازه غير خاسر)

Examples of Izhar:

Letter	Examples
Hamzah (ء)	{يَنْأَوْنَ}، {مِنْ إِلهٍ}، {عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ}
Ha’ (هـ)	{يَنْهَوْنَ}، {مِنْ هَادٍ}، {لِكُلِّ قَوْمٍ هَادٍ}
‘Ain (ع)	{أَنْعَمْتَ}، {مِنْ عَلَقٍ}، {حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ}
Ha’ (ح)	{وَتَنْحِتُونَ}، {مِنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ}
Ghain (غ)	{فَسَيُنْغِضُون}، {مِنْ غِلٍّ}، {لَعَفُوٌّ غَفُورٌ}
Kha’ (خ)	{وَالْمُنْخَنِقَةُ}، {مِنْ خَيْرٍ}

 

2. Idgham (Assimilation)

Q: What is the linguistic and technical definition of idgham?

A:

• Linguistic Definition: The term idgham signifies insertion, merging, or amalgamation.
• Technical Definition: Idgham involves the fusion of two letters, wherein the first letter is sakin (silent) and the second is vocalised, resulting in their seamless integration into a singular, emphasised letter.

Q: What are the categories of idgham?

A:

Idgham is classified into two distinct types:

1. Idgham with nasalisation (bi ghunnah): Applied to four letters—ya’ (ي), mim (م), nun (ن), and waw (و).
2. Idgham without nasalisation (bila ghunnah): Applied to two letters—lam (ل) and ra’ (ر).

Examples of Idgham:

Idgham with Nasalisation (bi ghunnah)
Letter	Examples
Ya’ (ي)	{مَنْ يَعْمَلْ}، {فِئَةٌ يَنْصُرُونَهُ}
Waw (و)	{مِنْ وَلِيٍّ}، {سِرَاجًا وَهَّاجًا}
Mim (م)	{مِنْ مَاءٍ}، {صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ}
Nun (ن)	{إِنْ نَقُولُ}، {مَلِكًا نُّقَاتِلْ}

 

Idgham without Nasalisation (bila ghunnah)
Letter	Examples
Lam (ل)	{أَنْ لَوْ}، {أَنْدَادًا لِيُضِلُّوا}
Ra’ (ر)	{مِنْ رَبِّكَ}، {بَشَرًا رَسُولًا}

 

3. Iqlab (Conversion)

Q: What is the linguistic and technical definition of iqlab?

A:

• Linguistic Definition: Iqlab denotes transformation or conversion.
• Technical Definition: It refers to the substitution of the sakin nun or tanween with a mim (م) when the subsequent letter is ba’ (ب), coupled with nasalisation (ghunnah).

 

Examples of Iqlab:

Context	Original	Transformed Pronunciation
Nun	{لَيُنْبَذَنَّ}	layumbazanna (لَيُمْبَذَنَّ)
Tanween	{عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ...}	‘aleemunbidhatis-sudoor (عَلِيمٌ مِّبِذَاتِ)

 

4. Ikhfa' (Concealment)

Q: What is the linguistic and technical definition of ikhfa’?

• Linguistic Definition: Ikhfa’ signifies obscuration or concealment.
• Technical Definition: It entails pronunciation midway between izhar (clarity) and idgham (assimilation), preserving nasalisation (ghunnah) on the preceding letter without emphasis on the following letter.

Q: What are the letters of ikhfa’?

A:

The remaining 15 letters of the Arabic alphabet constitute the letters of ikhfa’. They are memorised using the following poetic mnemonic:
"Sif dha thana kam jada shakhsan qad sama … dam tayyiban zid fi tuqa ḍaʿ ẓaliman"
(صف ذا ثنا كم جاد شخص قد سما … دم طيّبًا زد في تقى ضع ظالمًا).

Examples of Ikhfa’:

 

Letter	Examples
Ṣad	{مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ}، {قَاعًا صَفْصَفًا}
Dhal	{مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي}، {عَزِيزٌ ذُو...}
Tha’	{مَنْثُورًا}، {أَزْوَاجًا ثَلَاثَةً}
Kaf	{مَنْ كَانَ}، {كِتَابٌ كَرِيمٌ}
Jeem	{مَنْ جَاءَ}، {فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ}