Types of Madd in Tajweed

Madd is one of the essential rules of Tajweed, helping you recite the Quran beautifully and correctly. It refers to the elongation of vowel sounds and includes several types like Madd Asli, Madd Far’i, Madd Lazim, and more.

In this article by Madrasat ELQuran, we’ll explore the different Types of Madd in Tajweed with clear examples to boost your recitation skills.

What is Madd in the Quran?

In Tajweed, Madd refers to the elongation or stretching of a vowel sound during Quranic recitation. Linguistically, the word “Madda” in Arabic (مدّ) means “to extend” or “to stretch.” In the context of the Quran, Madd involves prolonging the sound of specific letters for a measured amount of time according to Tajweed rules.

Madd typically occurs over long vowels such as Alif (ا), Waw (و), and Yaa (ي) when they are not carrying a harakah (short vowel). These letters serve as signs that the voice should be extended smoothly during recitation.

Here are some clear examples of Madd in the Quran:

• غفور (Ghafoor): The letter Waw (و) is elongated, showing the Madd.
  
• السماء (As-Samaa): The letter Alif (ا) indicates the Madd.
  
• رحيم (Raheem): The letter Yaa (ي) represents the Madd.
  

Understanding and applying the rules of Madd is crucial because it affects both the beauty and accuracy of Quranic recitation. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself was known to elongate certain sounds when reciting the Quran, as narrated by Qatadah:
“I asked Anas, ‘How did the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) recite the Quran?’ He replied: ‘The Prophet (PBUH) used to prolong the sounds.’” [Sunan An-Nasa’i]

There are several types of Madd in Tajweed, mainly classified into Madd Asli (natural Madd) and Madd Far’i (secondary Madd), each with specific rules and durations for elongation.

At Madrasat ELQuran, we emphasize personalized, one-on-one Tajweed sessions to help learners master the correct application of Madd and other vital Tajweed rules, ensuring a proper and heartfelt recitation.

Rules of Madd Letters in Tajweed

There are three Madd letters: Alif (ا), Waaw (و), and Yaa’ (ي). These letters come with Madd when they are free from vowel markings and do not have a sukoon. The letter before these Madd letters must carry the correct vowel sound to apply Madd.

Here is a detailed explanation of each type of Madd letter:

1. Alif Madd (ا)

When the Madd letter is Alif, the letter before it must have a fatha. In this case, Alif remains silent, and the sound is elongated.

• Examples:
  
  • بَاب (bāb)
    
  • قَال (qāl)
    
  • عَاد (ʿād)
    

2. Waaw Madd (و)

When the Madd letter is Waaw, the letter before it must have a dammah. The Waaw remains silent, and the sound is extended.

• Examples:
  
  • يَقُول (yaqūl)
    
  • يَدُوم (yadūm)
    
  • يَعُود (yaʿūd)
    

3. Yaa’ Madd (ي)

When the Madd letter is Yaa’, the letter before it must have a kasra. The Yaa’ remains silent, and the sound is prolonged.

• Examples:
  
  • كِتَابِي (kitābī)
    
  • رَحِيم (rahīm)
    
  • كَبِير (kabīr)
    

Conditions for Madd to Apply:

• The Madd letter must remain free from sukoon.
  
• The letter before the Madd letter must carry the correct vowel:
  
  • Fatha before Alif.
    
  • Dhammah before Waaw.
    
  • Kasra before Yaa’.
    

Important Note: If the letter before the Madd letter does not carry the correct vowel or if there is a sukoon, Madd is not applied. For example, in the word “يومكم” (your day), the letter Yaa’ is preceded by a fatha, but the following Waaw is not a Madd letter because it is not preceded by a dammah.

Types Of Madd In Tajweed

The two main types of Madd (elongation) in Tajweed are:

1. Madd Asli/Tabi’y (Natural Madd) – المد الأصلي
   
2. Madd Far’ee (Secondary Madd) – المد الفرعي
   

1. Madd Asli (Natural Madd)

• Definition: Madd Asli refers to the natural elongation of the vowel sound. This type does not depend on external factors like the presence of a Hamzah (ء) or Sukoon (ْ).
  
• Length: It is always extended for two movements or harakahs.
  
• Examples:
  
  • قَالَ (Qāla) – The “a” sound is naturally elongated.
    
  • أَمْثَالُكُمْ (Amthālukum) – The elongation here follows the natural Madd pattern.
    

Characteristics:

• Alif, Waw, and Yaa’ are the letters that cause Madd Asli, where the vowel (Fatha for Alif, Dhamma for Waw, and Kasra for Yaa) is naturally elongated.
  
• Special Case: The beginning letters of some Surahs (like حم or طس) follow this rule, where the Madd is extended for exactly two harakahs.
  

2. Madd Far’ee (Secondary Madd)

• Definition: Madd Far’ee refers to elongation that occurs due to specific conditions, such as the presence of a Hamzah or Sukoon. The length of the Madd can vary between two to six harakahs.
  
• Types:
  
  • Madd Al-Muttasil (مد متصل): When a Madd letter is followed by a Hamzah in the same word. This type is obligatory and can be extended for 4-5 harakahs.
    
  • Madd Al-Munfasil (مد منفصل): When the Madd letter is followed by a Hamzah in a separate word, and the extension is optional (2-5 harakahs).
    
  • Madd Al-Badal (مد بدل): When a Hamzah precedes the Madd letter, the Hamzah is replaced with a Madd, extended for two harakahs.
    
  • Madd Al-Aarid Lissukoon (مد عارض للسكون): Temporary elongation when pausing on a word with a Sukoon, and the extension length can be 2, 4, or 6 harakahs.
    
  • Madd Al-Laazim (مد لازم): When a Madd letter is followed by a permanent Sukoon in the same word, this is obligatory and extended for six harakahs.
    

Examples of Secondary Madd:

• Madd Al-Muttasil:
  
  • مَآءٌ (Mā’un) – The letter Madd is followed by a Hamzah, extending it for 4 or 5 harakahs.
    
• Madd Al-Munfasil:
  
  • يَا أَيُّهَا (Yā ayyuhā) – Here, the extension is optional, and it can range from 2 to 5 harakahs.
    
• Madd Al-Badal:
  
  • آمِنُوا (Āminū) – The Hamzah before the Madd letter is replaced by the Madd for two harakahs.
    
• Madd Al-Aarid Lissukoon:
  
  • الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ (Alhamdulillāh) – The Sukoon appears due to the pause and can be extended from 2 to 6 harakahs.
    
• Madd Al-Laazim:
  
  • الحَاقَّةُ (Al-Ḥāqqah) – A permanent Sukoon follows the Madd letter, requiring six harakahs of extension.

Understanding these different types of Madd helps in the accurate pronunciation and rhythm of Quranic recitation.

Learn Tajweed Online with Madrasat ELQuran

Madd is a vital rule in Tajweed, essential for understanding Quranic meanings. The Prophet (PBUH) recited the Quran with proper elongation, as taught in Tajweed today. Incorrect recitation means not reading as it was revealed. To master the different types of Madd, join our best online Tajweed course at Madrasat El Quran. Our certified tutors provide affordable, efficient lessons, ensuring accurate pronunciation. Enroll in our online Tajweed course with certificate and perfect your Quran recitation today.

In conclusion, by discussing the types of madd in Tajweed, we have reviewed the key letters that affect the pronunciation of words and elongate the sound during recitation. Understanding the types of madd in Tajweed allows you to improve your reading performance accurately and beautifully. Delving into these rules not only enhances your recitation but also ensures adherence to the correct principles recommended by scholars. Remember, learning the types of madd in Tajweed is a crucial part of mastering the recitation of the Quran in the best way possible.

FAQ about Types of Madd in Tajweed