Understanding Madd Rules for Proper Tajweed Recitation of Quran

What is Madd?

Madd simply means to lengthen or prolong a letter while reciting it out loud. In Arabic, it translates to "to stretch" or "to pull".

When reading the Quran according to the rules of tajweed, there are certain letters that should be recited with a measured prolongation. This is known as applying madd when reciting the letter.

Applying the correct madd is very important for proper tajweed. If madd letters are not recited with the right prolongation or lengthening, it can change the meaning of the words and verses.

Why is Madd Important in Tajweed?

There are a few reasons why mastering madd in tajweed is so vital:

• It differentiates between words: Many Arabic words are differentiated only based on the length of their letters. Applying the correct madd ensures the word is pronounced properly.
• Preserves meaning: Since different words can change meaning based on letter length, the proper use of madd preserves the intended meaning and prevents confusion.
• Enhances beauty of Quranic recitation: Applying madd is one of the aspects that adds beauty and melody to recitation of the Quran.
• Completes rules of tajweed: Tajweed is comprised of multiple rules which must be applied in unison when reciting Quran. Mastering madd is key for complete and proper application of tajweed.

Types of Madd in Tajweed

There are six kinds of madd or prolonged letters in tajweed. Each has slightly different rules regarding which letters are prolonged and to what extent.

Madd al-Tabee’ee (Natural madd)

This occurs when a hamza (ء) or madd letter comes before one of the alif letters in the same word. The first letter is then naturally prolonged a bit when reciting.

Examples: مَاءٍ, سَمَاء

Madd al-Badal (Substitute madd)

When a hamza (ء) appears where normally a madd letter would appear in a word, you substitute the hamza for a madd to achieve the proper pronunciation. This is called a substitute madd.

Examples: فَأَمَّا, أَبَى

Madd al-Leen (Madd of softness)

This occurs when there is a HA’ ة after one of the madd letters ي و ا . The madd letter is then recited with a bit of prolongation or softness between the two letters.

Examples: رَحْمَةٌ, نَعْمَةٌ

Madd Ulta’m Al-Laam (Madd of joining laam)

When the letter ل is joined via Idghaam (fusion of same letters) to one of the madd letters و ي , the madd must be prolonged slightly before joining the two letters together.

Examples: عالِمينَ, خُلدِينَ

Madd Ulta’m Al-Raa

This is the same concept as above but for when the letter ر is joined with the madd letters ي و by way of idghaam.

Examples: نِعْمَةٍ مِنْهُ , سِرّيٌ

Madd ‘Iwad (Compensatory Madd)

The compensatory or substitute madd occurs when a saakin letter is followed by a hamza (ء). Since the hamza can't be prolonged, the letter before it is lengthened through compensatory madd instead.

Examples: فَأَسْلُكُ, تَأْكُلُونَ

The Difference Between Quran and Mushaf

There is sometimes confusion between the terms "Quran" and "Mushaf" as both relate to the Islamic holy book. Understanding the difference provides clarity:

• The Quran specifically refers to the verbal recitation and actual speech of the divine revelation that was communicated from Allah to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is the spoken Word of God.
• A mushaf refers to a physical written copy of the Quranic text between two covers. A mushaf contains the 6236 verses but in textual form.

So in summary:

• Quran = spoken recitation of revelation received by Prophet Muhammad
• Mushaf = physical compilation/book of the written verses and text of Quran

When a person reads aloud from a mushaf, they are reciting the Quran. We learn tajweed rules in order to perfectly recite the Quran from the mushaf.

Why Differentiate Between Quran and Mushaf?

Understanding the difference is key for a few reasons:

• Shows they originated differently - Quran is divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad, first spoken, then recorded in mushaf later by his companions.
• The Quran is sacred itself as the Speech of God. Mushafs can have minor writing differences but the Message is the same.
• Explains why memorization and recitation of Quran carries such significance in Islam beyond just reading the mushaf text.
• Clarifies that no matter the calligraphic style or minor spelling differences between mushafs, there is only one true Quran and its actual source is divine.

Tajweed Allows Perfect Reading from the Mushaf

The ultimate purpose of the mushaf texts containing Quranic verses is for people to recite the Speech of God properly through reading aloud.

This is why tajweed holds such an important status - the rules of tajweed allow us to accurately pronounce each letter of the mushaf text when reciting Quran. Tajweed governs correct pronunciation during recitation.

Some key examples of how tajweed bridges between mushaf text and proper oral Quranic recitation include:

• Letter elongation through madd allows certain letters to be lengthened appropriately based on mushaf spelling.
• Merging specific letters through idhgaam when they meet allows smooth recitation from the mushaf.
• Proper articulation points for letters assists in pronouncing them just as written in the mushaf during recitation.
• Correct timing and pauses between words and verses maintains flow when reading Quran out loud from the mushaf.

In essence, tajweed provides the code of conduct for rendering the Quran - found in textual form in mushafs - into the correct and beautiful manner of recitation as was received and spoken by Prophet Muhammad originally through divine revelation.

Tajweed is the link between the physical records of Quran in mushafs across the globe and the correct, melodious manner of articulating the Speech of Allah through recitation by devote Muslims worldwide.

FAQs

What are the types of madd in tajweed?

There are six kinds of madd or prolonged letters in tajweed. These include: Madd al-Tabee’ee (Natural madd), Madd al-Badal (Substitute madd), Madd al-Leen (Madd of softness), Madd Ulta’m Al-Laam (Madd of joining laam), Madd Ulta’m Al-Raa, and Madd ‘Iwad (Compensatory Madd).

Why is applying madd properly important in tajweed?

Using the correct madd when reciting Quran is vital because it differentiates between words, preserves the intended meaning, enhances the beauty of recitation, and completes the proper application of all tajweed rules.

What is the difference between the Quran and a mushaf?

The Quran refers specifically to the actual verbal recitation and spoken Word of God that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. A mushaf is a physical written copy containing the verses of Quranic text.

How does tajweed link the mushaf and recitation of Quran?

Tajweed provides rules for accurately pronouncing each letter when reading from the mushaf out loud. Concepts like madd and idhgaam allow smooth reading of the textual Quran in a mushaf during recitation.