Madd rules in Tajweed tell a reciter when to lengthen a sound and for how long. They are among the most noticeable features of a correct recitation, and also among the most common sources of mistakes, because stretching a short sound or cutting a long one can alter a word. The good news is that the whole subject rests on a few simple ideas.
This guide explains the Madd letters, the natural Madd, and the main types of secondary Madd as they are taught in the narration of Hafs from Asim, the narration most Muslims recite today.
What Is Madd?
Madd means to extend. In Tajweed it means lengthening the sound of one of the Madd letters. Length is measured in counts (called harakat). One count is roughly the time it takes to pronounce a single short vowel, so two counts is the length of two short vowels, and so on. Teachers often show counts by opening or closing a finger at a steady pace.
The speed of the counts follows the speed of your recitation. What matters is that your lengthening is proportionate and consistent from beginning to end.
The Three Madd Letters
- Alif preceded by a fatha.
- Waw with sukoon preceded by a damma.
- Ya with sukoon preceded by a kasra.
All three appear in the single word nooheehaa (نوحيها), which students use to remember them.
There are also two Leen letters: waw with sukoon and ya with sukoon when they are preceded by a fatha, as in khawf and bayt. They have their own rule, explained below.
The Natural Madd (Madd Tabee’i)
When a Madd letter is not followed by a hamzah or a sukoon, it is lengthened for two counts. This is the natural or original Madd, and it is the basis for everything else. It cannot be shortened to one count, and it should not be stretched beyond two.
Most lengthening mistakes made by beginners involve this basic Madd: either dropping it, so a long vowel becomes short, or exaggerating it at the end of verses.
Secondary Madd (Madd Far’i)
A Madd becomes longer than two counts for one of two reasons: a hamzah or a sukoon near the Madd letter. Every type below is a case of one or the other.
Madd Caused by Hamzah
Madd Muttasil (the connected Madd)
The Madd letter is followed by a hamzah in the same word, as in as-samaa’ or jaa’a. It is lengthened for four or five counts. Reciters are agreed that it must be lengthened beyond the natural Madd, which is why it is called obligatory.
Madd Munfasil (the separated Madd)
The Madd letter is the last letter of one word and the hamzah is the first letter of the next, as in yaa ayyuhaa or innaa a’taynaaka. In the way most students learn Hafs, it is lengthened for four or five counts. Whichever length your teacher gives you, keep to it throughout your recitation.
Madd Badal (the substitute Madd)
Here the hamzah comes before the Madd letter, as in aamanoo or eemaan. In the narration of Hafs it is read with two counts, the same as a natural Madd.
Madd Caused by Sukoon
Madd Lazim (the necessary Madd)
The Madd letter is followed by a permanent sukoon, whether written as a sukoon or contained inside a shaddah, in the same word. It is always lengthened for six counts. A familiar example is the long alif in ad-daalleen at the end of Surah Al-Fatihah. The same rule applies to several of the separate letters that open some surahs: letters whose names are spelled with three letters with a Madd letter in the middle, such as lam and meem in Alif Laam Meem, are read with six counts.
Madd Arid lis-Sukoon (the Madd before a temporary sukoon)
The Madd letter is followed by a letter that has a vowel, but you stop on that word, so the last letter becomes sakin because of the stop. This happens at the end of a great many verses, for example when stopping on al-aalameen, ar-raheem or nasta’een. You may lengthen it for two, four or six counts. Choose one length and stay consistent.
Madd Leen (the soft Madd)
A Leen letter is followed by a letter you stop on, as when stopping on khawf, bayt or Quraysh. It may also be read with two, four or six counts when stopping. If you continue reading without stopping, there is no lengthening beyond the natural sound of the letter.
Quick Summary
- Natural Madd: no hamzah or sukoon after it. Two counts.
- Muttasil: hamzah after it in the same word. Four or five counts.
- Munfasil: hamzah at the start of the next word. Four or five counts as commonly taught.
- Badal: hamzah before it. Two counts.
- Lazim: permanent sukoon or shaddah after it. Six counts.
- Arid lis-Sukoon: sukoon caused by stopping. Two, four or six counts.
- Leen: Leen letter before a stop. Two, four or six counts.
Other Madd You Will Meet
As you progress, your teacher will introduce a few further cases, such as the Madd that replaces a fatha tanween when you stop on it, read as an alif for two counts, and the lengthening of the pronoun ha in certain positions. These are easier once the main types above are secure.
Common Mistakes
- Shortening the natural Madd. Reading a long vowel as a short one can change the meaning of a word.
- Inventing a Madd. Stretching a short vowel, especially when reciting with a melody, adds a letter that is not there.
- Inconsistent lengths. Reading one Muttasil with four counts and the next with six in the same sitting.
- Cutting the six-count Madd short. Madd Lazim needs its full length.
- Uneven counts. Speeding up or slowing down within the Madd itself.
- Letting the sound waver. The Madd should be one steady sound, without rising and falling.
How to Practise Madd
- Master two counts first. Read a page paying attention only to the natural Madd.
- Count on your fingers. Keep an even pace as you open each finger.
- Mark the types. In a practice copy or printout, lightly pencil the type of Madd above each example in one short surah.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah slowly. It contains natural Madd, Madd Lazim and Madd Arid lis-Sukoon.
- Listen and imitate. Follow a reciter known for precision and match the length.
- Ask your teacher to check consistency, not only correctness.
Many printed copies of the Quran place a small wave-like mark above letters that need extra lengthening. It is a helpful signal that a secondary Madd is present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a count in Tajweed?
The time taken to pronounce one short vowel. It is relative to your reciting speed.
What is the longest Madd?
Six counts, which is the fixed length of Madd Lazim and the maximum for Madd Arid lis-Sukoon and Madd Leen.
Why do some reciters lengthen differently?
Some lengths are fixed and some allow a choice. There are also different authentic narrations and ways of recitation. A student should follow what their teacher teaches and remain consistent.
Do I need to know the names of every Madd?
The names help you understand and remember, but correct application is the goal. Many students apply Madd correctly by ear first and learn the names afterwards.
Where should a beginner start?
With the natural Madd. Once two counts are reliable, the other types follow easily.
Learn Madd by Ear, With a Teacher
Lengths are learned by hearing them and being corrected. In our Tajweed course, an Al-Azhar graduate with Ijazah listens in a one-to-one live session and corrects your Madd as you recite. You may also find our guides to Makharij al-Huruf and Qalqalah useful. Book a free trial class to get started.
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