The Complete Guide to Madd: When (and How Long) to Stretch Sounds in the Quran
By Qari Tajammal Hussain | Nizami Global Education
Have you ever felt out of breath while reciting the Qur’an? Or wondered why skilled Qaris hold certain sounds longer, while others pass quickly?
Here is the truth most beginners are never told: The beauty and accuracy of Quran recitation do not come from your voice. They come from your timing.
That timing is controlled by one core Tajweed rule called Madd. This guide will solve the confusion once and for all.
What Is Madd? (Simple Definition)
Madd means to lengthen or stretch the sound of a letter for a specific number of counts (harakat) during Quran recitation.
- Not more.
- Not less.
- Exactly as required.
Madd Asli (The Foundation)
If Madd were a building, Madd Asli would be the foundation. It occurs naturally with three specific letters when they are silent (Sukoon):
- Alif (ا) — when preceded by a Fatha
- Waw (و) — when preceded by a Damma
- Ya (ي) — when preceded by a Kasra
How Long Is Madd Asli?
Length: 2 Harakat (2 Counts)
To understand a Harakah, use the Heartbeat Method:
✅ One short vowel = 1 beat
✅ Madd Asli = 2 beats
Try tapping your finger twice steadily. That is the exact length of Madd Asli.
The "Big Four" Types of Madd Far‘i
When a Hamzah (ء) or Sukoon (ْ) follows a Madd letter, we must stretch longer. Use this chart to understand the differences instantly.
| Type Name | The Rule (Cause) | Required Length | Common Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Madd Muttasil (Connected) |
Madd Letter + Hamzah (Same Word) | 4-5 Counts (Mandatory) |
ٱلسَّمَآءِ (As-Samaaa-i) |
| 2. Madd Munfasil (Separated) |
Madd Letter (End of Word) + Hamzah (Start of Next) | 2-4 Counts (Allowed) |
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا (Yaaa-Ayyuha) |
| 3. Madd Lazim (Permanent) |
Madd Letter + Permanent Sukoon/Shaddah | 6 Counts (Exact & Fixed) |
ٱلضَّآلِّينَ (Walad-Daaalleen) |
| 4. Madd Arid (Temporary) |
Stop (Waqf) on a word | 2, 4, or 6 Counts (Flexible) |
ٱلرَّحِيمِ (Ar-Raheem) |
Listen: The 6-Count Madd Lazim
Madd Lazim is the longest stretch in the Quran. It requires breath control and discipline. Listen to the example below:
Surah Al-Fatiha (Walad-dalleen)
Recitation by Qari Tajammal Hussain
Conclusion: From Knowledge to Mastery
You now understand that Madd is not just about "stretching"—it is about precise timing. But here is the reality: You can read this guide, but can you count correctly while reciting?
🧠 Test Your Knowledge
Can you identify the correct rule?