Maddah Letters (Long Vowels)

There are three letters in the Arabic language that can act as Maddah letters (letters for elongation). These letters are extended when reciting and are referred to as long vowels in Tajweed:

1. Alif Saakinah (ا): An Alif that has a Fathah (َ) before it.
   • Example: قَالَ
     • In this example, the Alif follows a Fathah, so it is extended, creating a longer sound. This is commonly found throughout the Quran.
2. Waw Saakinah (و): A Waw that has a Dammah (ُ) before it.
   • Example: يَقُولُ
     • Here, the Waw follows a Dammah, so it is stretched out slightly when reciting.
3. Ya Saakinah (ي): A Ya that has a Kasrah (ِ) before it.
   • Example: قِيلَ
     • In this example, the Ya follows a Kasrah, which means it will be elongated when recited.

Note: The sound produced by these long vowels (Alif, Waw, and Ya) is known as Maddah.

Definition of Madd (Prolongation)

Madd (مَدّ) refers to the elongation or prolongation of a sound when reciting. This elongation is symbolized by the Madd symbol (~) over a letter. The purpose of Madd is to emphasize certain sounds in a word, which can affect the meaning or rhythm of the Quranic recitation.

Types of Madd

Madd is divided into two main categories:

1. Madd-e-Asli (Basic Madd)
2. Madd-e-Fara’i (Derived Madd)

1. Madd-e-Asli (Basic Madd)

Madd-e-Asli, also known as natural Madd, is a basic elongation that occurs without any additional letters following the Madd letter (like Hamzah (ء) or Sukoon (ْ)). Madd-e-Asli is extended for the length of one Alif (roughly one count).

• Examples:
  • قَالَ (Quran 2:30): The Alif here is stretched due to the Fathah before it, creating a natural elongation.
  • يَقُولُ (Quran 10:16): The Waw is stretched because it follows a Dammah, making it Madd-e-Asli.
  • فِي (Quran 2:2): The Ya here is elongated because it follows a Kasrah.

Duration

The duration of Madd-e-Asli is equal to one Alif (one count).

2. Madd-e-Fara’i (Derived Madd)

Madd-e-Fara’i is a secondary Madd that occurs when certain letters (Hamzah, Sukoon, or Tashdeed) follow a Madd letter. This prolongation is extended for a longer duration, depending on the type of Madd-e-Fara’i. There are four types of Madd-e-Fara’i:

Types of Madd-e-Fara’i

A. Mutassil (Connected Madd)

Definition: When there is a Hamzah immediately following a Madd letter within the same word, it is known as Madd-e-Mutassil (compulsory Madd). This Madd is obligatory and cannot be omitted.

• Example: جَاءَ (Quran 3:52)
  • Here, the Hamzah follows the Alif within the same word, requiring a prolonged recitation of three to four counts.
• Example: شَاءَ (Quran 5:1)
  • The Alif followed by Hamzah creates a connected Madd, which is lengthened during recitation.

Duration: This Madd is extended for three to four Alifs.

B. Munfasil (Separated Madd)

Definition: When there is a Hamzah in the following word (not directly connected), it is called Madd-e-Munfasil or Madd-e-Jaa’iz (permissible Madd). This Madd is allowed but not compulsory and can vary in length depending on the style of recitation.

• Example: إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ (Quran 108:1)
  • The Madd letter (Alif) is in the word “إِنَّا” and the Hamzah is in the following word, so it’s considered separated.
• Example: فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ (Quran 3:165)
  • The Ya in “فِي” is elongated because it is followed by Hamzah in the next word.

Duration: This Madd can be three to four Alifs, depending on the recitation style.

C. Laazim (Permanent Madd)

Definition: When a Madd letter is followed by a permanent Sukoon (ْ) or Shaddah (ّ), it is called Madd-e-Laazim. This type of Madd is mandatory and has the longest elongation.

• Example: آلْآنَ (Quran 10:51): This word has a permanent Sukoon after the Madd letter, making it a Laazim.
• Example: الصَّاخَّةُ (Quran 80:33): The Sukoon after the Madd letter creates a permanent prolongation.

Duration: Madd-e-Laazim is prolonged for five Alifs (longest elongation).

Types of Madd-e-Laazim:

1. Madd-e-Laazim Kalmi Mukhaffaf: This Madd occurs within a single word and has a permanent Sukoon.
   • Example: مَادَةُ (demonstrates the basic rule, though examples vary)

D. Aariz (Temporary Madd)

Definition: Madd-e-Aariz occurs when there is a temporary Sukoon (for a stop or pause) at the end of a word. This type of Madd is not permanent and applies only when the reciter stops at the end of the word.

• Example: الْعَالَمِينَ (Quran 1:2)
  • If stopping on this word, the reciter holds the Madd at the end, creating a temporary elongation.
• Example: نَسْتَعِينُ (Quran 1:5)
  • The Madd letter “و” is prolonged if stopping, creating Madd-e-Aariz.

Duration: Typically two to three Alifs, depending on the pause.

Summary Table of Madd Types

These Tajweed rules help ensure that Quranic recitation remains accurate, respectful, and true to its intended meaning. Practicing Madd correctly allows reciters to convey the rhythm and beauty of the Quran.