Elongations, or Al Madd, are among the essential rules that every Qur’anic reciter must learn to ensure correct pronunciation of the verses. AlMadd plays a crucial role in improving understanding and creating a natural flow between words in accordance with the rules of Tajweed. This article by Al-Ehsan Academy offers a comprehensive explanation of the definition, types, and degrees of elongations in Qur’anic recitation.
Definition of Al Madd
In the Arabic language, Al Madd means “increase” or “lengthening.” In the context of Tajweed, AlMadd refers to extending the sound of a vowel through one of the letters of Madd or Lin. The letters of Madd are:- The Alif (ا), preceded by a fathah (a short “a” sound).
- The Ya (ي), preceded by a kasrah (a short “i” sound).
- The Waw (و), preceded by a dammah (a short “u” sound).
- Waw and Ya when they come after a fathah (as in “خوف” or “صيْف”). These differ from the letters of Madd in terms of where the sound elongation occurs.
Types of Al Madd
AlMadd in Qur’anic recitation is divided into two primary categories: AlMadd AlAsli (Natural Madd) and AlMadd AlFar’i (Secondary Madd).1. Al Madd Al-Asli (Natural Madd)
Al Madd Al-Asli is the basic elongation that requires no external cause to lengthen the sound. The letter itself cannot exist without being elongated. This type of Madd is always extended by two vowel counts (harkat). It is called “natural” because the reciter naturally elongates it without adding or subtracting from the count. It is also called “original” because it serves as the foundation for all other types of elongations, as the Madd letter only exists with this elongation.Examples of AlMadd Al-Asli:
- قال (Qala): The “Alif” in “قال” is naturally elongated for two counts.
- نوحيها (Nuhyiha): The “Ya” is extended for two counts.
- يقول (Yaqool): The “Waw” is elongated for two counts.
- Madd constant in both connection and pause: Appears in both cases, such as in “قال.”
- Madd constant only in pause: Appears when stopping at the end of the word, such as when stopping at the word “أنا.”
- Madd constant only in connection: Appears in continuous recitation but disappears when stopping.
- Natural letter-based Madd: Appears in the recitation of the letter names at the beginning of some surahs, such as “الم.”
2. Al Madd Al-Far’i (Secondary Madd)
Al Madd Al-Far’i is an elongation that depends on an external cause, such as the presence of a hamzah (glottal stop) or sukoon (silence) after AlMadd letter. This type of Madd exceeds the natural length due to these external factors.Types of AlMadd Al-Far’i:
A. Madd due to Hamzah:- Madd Al-Badl: Occurs when a hamzah precedes AlMadd letter, such as in “آمنوا” (Amanu). This type is extended by two counts, just like the natural Madd.
- Madd Al-Wajib Al-Mutasil: Occurs when a hamzah follows AlMadd letter within the same word, such as in “مآء” (Maa’). This must be extended for four to six counts.
- Madd Al-Jaiz Al-Munfasil: Occurs when the hamzah follows AlMadd letter but in a different word, such as in “يا أيها” (Ya Ayyuha). This can be elongated for two, four, or five counts.
- Madd Al-Lazim: Occurs when AlMadd letter is followed by a permanent sukoon (either in connection or pause), such as in “الحآقة” (Al-Haaqqa) and “الضآلين” (Al-Daalleen). It must always be elongated by six counts, making it the strongest type of Madd.
- Madd Al-Aridh Lis-Sukoon: Occurs when AlMadd letter is followed by a temporary sukoon due to pausing, such as in “العالمين” (Al-Aalameen) when pausing. It can be extended for two, four, or six counts, depending on the recitation style.