What is Madd in Tajweed, its Types and Common Differences?

What Is Madd In Tajweed, Its Types

Have you ever been captivated by the melodic flow of the Quran, wondering what elements create its unique beauty and power? 

One vital piece of this puzzle is Madd in Tajweed, the art of elongating specific vowel sounds during recitation. Mastering Madd unlocks not only the aesthetic richness of the Quran but also ensures accurate pronunciation and preservation of its intended meaning. 

Today, we embark on a journey to unveil the secrets of Madd in Tajweed, equipping you with the knowledge to elevate your recitation and deepen your connection with the sacred text.”

What is Madd in Tajweed?

In Tajweed, the term “Madd” refers to the elongation or prolongation of certain vowel sounds. It comes from the Arabic word “مد” which means “to stretch” or “to extend.” This practice is essential for reciting the Quran correctly and beautifully.

What is Huroof al Madd?

Huroof al Madd translates to “letters of elongation” and refers to the three specific letters in Arabic that can be prolonged or extended while reciting:

  1. Alif (ا): When accompanied by either Fatha (َ) or Kasra (ِ).

  2. Waw (و): When accompanied by Damma (ُ).

  3. Ya (ي): When accompanied by Kasra (ِ).

Prolonging these letters in specific contexts is crucial for reciting the Quran accurately and beautifully.

What is Madd in Quran?

In the context of the Quran, Madd refers to the same thing as described earlier: the prolongation or extension of certain vowel sounds. This practice is crucial for accurate and beautiful recitation of the Quran and plays a significant role in Tajweed, the art of proper Quranic recitation.

Here’s what Madd specifically entails in the Quran:

  • Letters involved: Madd primarily involves three specific letters: Alif (ا), Waw (و), and Ya (ي).
  • Vowel extension triggers: These letters can be lengthened when preceded by specific vowel marks:
  • Alif: When preceded by Fatha (َ) or Kasra (ِ).
  • Waw: When preceded by Damma (ُ).
  • Ya: When preceded by Kasra (ِ).
  • Length of extension: Different types of Madd have varying lengths:
  • Madd Mutanawwi: Two counts (approximately twice a regular vowel length), most common in the Quran.
  • Madd Murna: One and a half counts.
  • Madd Jaiz Munfasil: Between one and two counts.
  • Others: Shorter lengths depending on the type.

Impact on meaning: Madd can have a significant impact on the meaning of Quranic verses because different lengths can differentiate words and their interpretations.

Importance in recitation: Applying Madd correctly adds beauty and rhythm to the recitation, assists in understanding the meaning, and ensures adherence to the authentic pronunciation of the Quran as conveyed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

What are the Types of Madd?

In Tajweed or Quran, there are two main types of Madd; Natural and Secondray:

1. Madd Asli/Tabi’y (Natural Madd):

This type of Madd occurs naturally due to the inherent qualities of the letter and vowel combination.

There are three subtypes of Natural Madd:

  • Madd Mutanawwi: This is the most common Madd in the Quran and involves prolonging the sound for two counts (roughly twice a regular vowel length). It occurs when Alif, Waw, or Ya are preceded by a specified vowel and followed by a Sukoon (no vowel sound) or another Madd letter.
  • Madd Murna: This Madd is slightly shorter, lasting for one and a half counts. It happens when Alif is preceded by Kasra and followed by a Hamzah (ء).
  • Madd Jaiz Munfasil: This is the shortest Natural Madd, with a duration between one and two counts. It occurs when Waw or Ya are preceded by a Damma or Kasra, respectively, and followed by a stop consonant (like Ba, Ta, etc.).

2. Madd Far’ee (Secondary Madd):

This type of Madd does not occur naturally but is created based on specific conditions in the text.

There are several subtypes of Secondary Madd, each with different triggers and lengths:

  • Madd Far’ee due to Hamzah: This Madd extends the vowel sound before a Hamzah that has been removed during recitation.
  • Madd Far’ee due to Sukoon: This Madd involves slightly prolonging the vowel sound before a Sukoon followed by a specific kind of Hamzah.
  • Madd ‘Ared Li-Ssukoon: This is a short Madd applied to an Alif preceded by Kasra when it comes before a specific kind of stop consonant.
  • Madd Al-Leen (the Madd of Easiness): This Madd allows for slightly prolonging the vowel before a stop consonant in certain situations.
  • Madd Wajeb Muttasil (Due to Hamzah): This Madd occurs when a Hamzah falls within a word but is pronounced separately, slightly extending the vowel before it.
  • Madd Ja’ez Munfasil: Similar to the Natural Madd with the same name, this Secondary Madd appears due to specific letter and vowel combinations but in different contexts.
  • Madd Lazem (necessary prolongation): This slightly lengthening of the vowel before certain special word endings.

Each of these types of Madd has specific rules and conditions for its application. Studying Tajweed helps one understand and practice them accurately to enhance the beauty and correctness of Quranic recitation.

Source: What Are The Quran Tajweed Rules For Beginners?

What is Madd Munfasil in Tajweed?

In Tajweed, Madd Munfasil (مَدّ منفصل) refers to a specific type of “disconnected Madd”. It occurs when one of the “Huroof al Madd” (letters of elongation – Alif, Waw, or Ya) appears at the end of one word and is followed by a Hamza (ء) at the beginning of the next word.

Here are some key points about Madd Munfasil:

Trigger:

  • The Madd occurs specifically due to the combination of a Madd letter at the end of a word and a Hamza at the beginning of the next word.
  • Example:  قَوْمًا مًّنْهُمْ (Qawman minhum) in Surah Al-Baqarah (2), verse 3.

Length:

  • Madd Munfasil is considered a “Ja’iz” (permissible) Madd, meaning its length is optional.
  • Traditionally, reciters can prolong the sound for up to four “alif lengths” (the unit of time it takes to pronounce a regular Alif with Fatha).
  • In practice, many reciters choose to prolong it for two or three “alif lengths” to balance beauty and clarity.

What is  Madd Jaiz Munfasil?

In Tajweed, Madd Jaiz Munfasil, also known as “permissible disconnected Madd,” refers to a specific type of elongated vowel sound that occurs when:

1. A Madd letter (Alif, Waw, or Ya) with a vowel sound appears at the end of a word.

2. This word is followed by a Hamza (ء) at the beginning of the next word.

Key Points:

Permissible Length:

  • Unlike some other types of Madd, Madd Jaiz Munfasil is optional, meaning its length is not strictly obligatory.
  • Reciters can choose to prolong the sound for up to four “alif lengths” (the unit of time it takes to pronounce a regular Alif with Fatha).
  • In practice, many reciters opt for two or three “alif lengths” to balance beauty and clarity.

Trigger:

  • The key difference between Madd Jaiz Munfasil and other types like Muttasil lies in the placement of the Hamza.
  • In Jaiz Munfasil, the Hamza belongs to the next word, while in Muttasil, it’s part of the same word.

Examples:

  • **قَوْمًا مًّنْهُمْ (Qawman minhum) in Surah Al-Baqarah (2), verse 3. The “Waw” with Dammah at the end of “Qawman” is a Madd Jaiz Munfasil due to the following Hamza in “minhum.”
  • **يُهْدِ إِلَيْهِ (Yuhdi ilayhi) in Surah Al-Baqarah (2), verse 213. The “Ya” with Kasra at the end of “Yuhdi” is a Madd Jaiz Munfasil due to the following Hamza in “ilayhi.”

What is Madd Muttasil in Tajweed?

In Tajweed, Madd Muttasil (مد متصل), which translates to “connected Madd,” refers to a specific type of elongated vowel sound that occurs when:

  1. A letter of elongation (Alif, Waw, or Ya) is combined with a vowel mark.

  2. A Hamzah (ء) appears within the same word, immediately after the elongated vowel.

Unlike Madd Munfasil (disconnected Madd), where the Madd and Hamzah belong to separate words, Madd Muttasil is a single pronunciation unit within the same word.

Here are some key points about Madd Muttasil:

Trigger:

  • The presence of a Hamzah directly following the Madd letter within the same word.
  • Example: رَحْمَتِهِ (Rahmatihi) in Surah Al-Fatihah (1), verse 3.

Length:

  • Madd Muttasil is categorized as “Wajib” (obligatory) Madd, meaning prolonging the vowel sound is mandatory.
  • The standard length is four “alif lengths” (the unit of time it takes to pronounce a regular Alif with Fatha).
  • Some scholars allow variations in length depending on personal style and recitation tradition.

Remember that the key difference between Madd Muttasil and Madd Munfasil lies in the placement of the Hamzah. In Muttasil, it’s part of the same word, while in Munfasil, it belongs to the next word.

Related: Unlocking The Secrets Of Tajweed In Quran

What is Mad Al-Leen?

Madd Al-Leen, also known as the “Madd of Easiness,” is a type of secondary Madd (Madd Far’ee) in Tajweed. It involves a slight prolongation of the vowel sound before a stop consonant (like Ba, Ta, etc.) in specific situations.

Here’s a breakdown of its key points:

Trigger:

  • A Madd letter (Alif, Waw, or Ya) with a vowel sound is followed by a stop consonant in the same word.

Example: يُغْفِرُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ (Yughfiru lil-mu’minina) in Surah Al-Mu’minun (23), verse 71.

One of the following conditions must be met:

  • The Madd letter precedes either Fatha or Kasra.
  • The stop consonant is preceded by another stop consonant.
  • The word ends with a specific grammatical case ending.
  •  

Prolongation:

  • The vowel sound before the stop consonant is slightly extended, but not as long as other types of Madd.
  • The exact length can vary depending on the recitation tradition and personal style, but it’s typically around one count

What Does Madd Laazim Mean?

Madd Laazim (مد لازم), also known as necessary prolongation, is a specific type of Madd in Tajweed. It’s considered the longest and most obligatory of all Madd types.

Laazim means “obligatory” or “necessary.” Therefore, Madd Laazim signifies a vowel sound that must be prolonged.

Types and triggers:

Madd Laazim is further divided into four subcategories based on their triggers and pronouncements:

  1. Madd Laazim Kalima-i Muthaqqal: Occurs when a Madd letter is followed by a Shaddah (doubling mark), making the following sound twice as long. Ex: ضلَّالِينَ (Dhallālīna)

  2. Madd Laazim Kalima-i Mukhaffaf: Occurs when a Madd letter is followed by a Sukoon (no vowel mark) within the same word. Ex: يُونس (Yūnus) – only in verses 51 & 91

  3. Madd Laazim Harfi Muthaqal: Occurs at the beginning of certain Surahs with specific letter combinations, involving a three-part pronunciation. Ex: الم * Alif-Laam-Mim in Surah Al-Baqarah

  4. Madd Laazim Harfi Mukhaffaf: Occurs in individual words with specific letter combinations, where each letter of the Madd is pronounced separately for six counts. Ex: قوّ (Qaww)

Length:

  • All types of Madd Laazim require prolonging the vowel sound for six counts, which is twice the length of regular Madd Mutanawwi.

What are the Rules for Mad Lazim?

Madd Laazim is the longest and most obligatory type of Madd in Tajweed. Here’s a breakdown of the various types and their specific rules:

Madd Laazim Kalima-i Muthaqqal:

  • Trigger: A Madd letter followed by a Shaddah (doubling mark) within the same word.
  • Rule: Prolong the sound for six counts.
  • Example: ضلَّالِينَ (Dhallālīna) – first Alif sound is stretched for six counts.

Madd Laazim Kalima-i Mukhaffaf:

  • Trigger: A Madd letter followed by a Sukoon (no vowel sound) within the same word.
  • Rule: Prolong the sound for six counts.
  • Important Note: This specific Madd occurs only in two verses of the Quran:
  • يُونس (Yūnus) in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 87
  • يُونس (Yūnus) in Surah Al-Qalam, verse 48

Madd Laazim Harfi Muthaqal:

  • Trigger: Occurs at the beginning of specific Surahs with specific letter combinations.
  • Rule: Involves a three-part pronunciation:
  • First, pronounce the Madd letter with its inherent vowel sound for one count.
  • Second, pronounce a slight “A” sound for two counts.
  • Third, pronounce another slight “A” sound for three counts.

    Examples:

  • الم (Alif-Laam-Mim) in Surah Al-Baqarah
  • الر (Alif-Ra) in Surah Yunus

Madd Laazim Harfi Mukhaffaf:

  • Trigger: Occurs in individual words with specific letter combinations.
  • Rule: Each letter of the Madd is pronounced separately for six counts.
  • Example: قوّ (Qaww) – Pronounced as “Qaa-Waw-Waw” with each “Waw” extended for two counts.

Related: Timeline For Learning Tajweed Mastery: How Long Does It Take To Learn?

What is the Madd ‘Arid Lil Sukoon?

Madd ‘Arid Lil Sukoon is a type of secondary Madd (Madd Far’ee) in Tajweed. It means “temporary Madd for stopping” and occurs when:

  • A Madd letter (Alif, Waw, or Ya) with a vowel sound appears at the end of a word.
  • This word is followed by a stop consonant (like Ba, Ta, etc.) or a pause in recitation.
  • A temporary Sukoon (no vowel sound) appears on the Madd letter due to the pause.

Example:  مِّنْ (Min) in Surah Al-Mulk (67), verse 3.

In this situation, the Madd letter is slightly prolonged, but not for as long as other types of Madd. The exact length can vary depending on the recitation tradition, typically between one and two counts.

A Quick Recap:

Here are some common differentiations between the types of Madd discussed in the blog:

Trigger:

  • Madd Muttasil: Requires a Hamzah within the same word following the elongated vowel.
  • Madd Munfasil: Requires a Hamzah at the beginning of the word following the elongated vowel at the end of the previous word.
  • Madd Laazim: Can occur due to Shaddah, Sukoon (in specific cases), specific letter combinations at the beginning of Surahs, or specific individual words.
  • Madd Jaiz Munfasil: Occurs when a Madd letter at the end of a word is followed by a stop consonant.
  • Madd ‘Arid Lil Sukoon: Occurs when a Madd letter at the end of a word is followed by a temporary Sukoon due to a pause.
  • Madd Al-Leen: Occurs when a Madd letter within a word precedes a stop consonant under specific conditions.

Obligatory vs. Permissible:

  • Madd Muttasil: Obligatory (Wajib) to prolong.
  • Madd Laazim: Obligatory (Wajib) to prolong.
  • Madd Munfasil & Jaiz Munfasil: Permissible (Jaiz) to prolong, with varying lengths depending on interpretation.
  • Madd ‘Arid Lil Sukoon & Al-Leen: Slight prolongations, not considered fully “Madd.”

Length:

  • Madd Laazim: Longest prolongation (6 counts).
  • Madd Muttasil: Standard length (4 counts).
  • Madd Munfasil: Up to 4 counts (permissible variation).
  • Madd Jaiz Munfasil: 1-2 counts (permissible variation).
  • Madd ‘Arid Lil Sukoon & Al-Leen: Short prolongations (1-2 counts).

Pronunciation:

  • Madd Muttasil & Laazim: Single pronunciation unit within the same word.
  • Madd Munfasil & Jaiz Munfasil: Separate pronunciations across word boundaries.
  • Madd Laazim (Harfi types): Specific three-part pronunciation.
  • Madd Al-Leen: Slight extension before stop consonant.

Impact on meaning:

  • Madd Muttasil & Laazim: Crucial for correct pronunciation and meaning preservation.
  • Madd Munfasil & Jaiz Munfasil: Can subtly impact meaning depending on length chosen.
  • Madd ‘Arid Lil Sukoon & Al-Leen: Minor impact on meaning due to slight prolongations.

By understanding these differentiations, you can gain a clearer picture of the various types of Madd and their application in Tajweed.

Final Word:

Understanding and applying Madd in your recitation is more than just technical knowledge; it’s a transformative journey of artistic expression, spiritual connection, and faithful representation of the Divine message. Let this be the beginning of your exploration.

Delve deeper into the vast ocean of Tajweed resources, practice diligently, and witness the magic unfold as your recitation blossoms with newfound beauty and accuracy.

Remember, the rewards of mastering Madd extend far beyond earthly appreciation; they resonate within the depths of your soul, fostering a closer bond with the words of Allah (SWT). May your recitation be a source of peace, enlightenment, and divine blessings.

Common Questions From Our Community:

What are the 3 letters of Madd?

The 3 letters of Madd are: Alif (ا), Waw (و) and Ya (ي)

These letters can be elongated when certain conditions are met, adding beauty and accuracy to your Quran recitation.

What is an example of Madd?

In Surah Al-Mulk (67), verse 3, the word “Min” (مِّنْ) features Madd. The final Alif with Kasra is slightly extended due to the following pause in recitation.

What are the symbols of Madd?

While Madd itself isn’t directly marked with a symbol, the vowel diacritics preceding the Madd letter indicate the type of Madd. For example, Fatha (َ) before Alif suggests Madd Mutanawwi, Damma (ُ) before Waw signals Madd Muttasil, and Kasra (ِ) before Ya can indicate Madd Jaiz Munfasil or Madd ‘Arid Lil Sukoon.

What is the meaning of Madd Tabee?

“Madd Tabee” is actually “Madd Tabi’i,” which translates to “natural Madd.” This refers to Madd occurring due to the inherent qualities of the letter and vowel combination, like Madd Mutanawwi and Murna.

What is the difference between Muttasil and Munfasil?

The key difference lies in the placement of the Hamza.

  • Muttassil: The Hamza appears within the same word after the elongated vowel (e.g., “Rabbī” in Surah Al-Fatihah).
  • Munfasil: The Hamza belongs to the next word following the Madd letter at the end of the previous word (e.g., “Qawman minhum” in Surah Al-Baqarah).

What is an example of Madd wajib Muttasil in the Quran?

“Rahmatihi” (رَحْمَتِهِ) in Surah Al-Fatihah (1), verse 3, is an example of Madd Wajib Muttasil. The Alif with Fatha is followed by a Hamza within the same word, requiring a mandatory four-count extension.

How long is Madd al Muttasil?

Madd Muttasil requires a standard length of four “alif lengths”, roughly the time it takes to pronounce a regular Alif with Fatha.

What is an example of mad munfasil?

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2), verse 3, “Qawman minhum” (قَوْمًا مًّنْهُمْ) showcases Madd Munfasil. The final Waw with Damma is slightly prolonged due to the following Hamza in “minhum,” although its length is optional.

Is Madd mandatory?

It depends on the type of Madd.

  • Madd Wajib Muttasil: Mandatory to lengthen.
  • Madd Laazim: Mandatory to lengthen (requires longer extensions).
  • Madd Munfasil/Jaiz Munfasil: Optional to prolong within a specific range.
  • Madd ‘Arid Lil Sukoon/Al-Leen: Slight prolongations, not fully categorized as obligatory Madd.