The Quran is the divine word of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Quran holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. For its holy importance, Reciting the Holy Quran properly is crucial to ensure that its meanings are conveyed correctly and respectfully. By adhering to Quran recitation rules, such as pauses and stops, you not only enhance the spiritual experience but also show reverence for this sacred text. These signs and symbols, found above certain words, guide you in proper pronunciation and rhythm, ensuring the text is recited as intended.
18 Important Rules of Reading Quran With Symbols
Here are some important Quran recitation rules to recite the Quran beautifully without any mistakes.
1, – o–Waqf e Taam at the end of the verse
“Waqf e Taam” signifies the complete end of a verse in the Quran and is marked by a circle at the end of a line. Known as the perfect stop, it instructs the reader to pause and take a breath before continuing to reflect on its meaning and significance.. Failing to stop here can alter the entire meaning of the sentence, making it essential to follow these pauses correctly.
2. م ـ – – Waqf e Lazim -The Compulsory Stop
The “Waqf e Lazim” symbol instructs the reader to stop at a specific point during Quranic recitation. The term “Lazim” translates to “mandatory” or “imperative,” highlighting the importance of taking a pause. This pause is essential because, without it, the meaning of the sentence can change significantly. The sign binds the reciter to stop at that point to ensure the correct interpretation and understanding of the verse.
3. ط – The Absolute Pause
In Arabic, the symbol “ط” represents the “waqf e mutlaq” or “absolute pause” in Quranic recitation, signalling the reader to stop completely, take a breath, and then resume. This pause is essential for several reasons. It gives the reader a moment to rest, especially during lengthy recitations, helping maintain a steady pace and rhythm. Additionally,it aids the reader in maintaining a steady pace and consistent rhythm throughout the recitation. Pausing at this symbol ensures a smoother reading process and makes recitation more manageable by providing structured breaks.
4. The Permissible Stop – Waqf e Jaaiz
“Waqf e Jaaiz” indicates a permissible stop in Quranic recitation, marking the end of a particular topic in the verse. Although not obligatory, pausing here is recommended to allow you to reflect on the meaning of the previous verse and prepare for the next part. This pause aids in better understanding the transition of themes or ideas within the same verse, enhancing the recitation experience and ensuring a clearer comprehension of the text.
5. ز – Continue Reading
The “Waqf e Mujawwaz” sign, symbolized by “ز” in Arabic, suggests that the reciter should continue without pausing at that point in the Quranic recitation. However, while it encourages continuous reading, there is no restriction on stopping if needed. The symbol simply implies that continuing without a break is preferable but not obligatory, offering flexibility to the reciter depending on their comfort or need for a pause.
Book Free Trial Class Now6. ص – The Licensed Pause – Waqf e Murakh-Khas
The symbol “ص” in Arabic denotes a waqf e murakh-khas, which is a licensed pause. This sign indicates a specific type of pause that is permitted under certain conditions. Unlike waqf e jaaiz and waqf e mujawwaz, waqf e murakh-khas is applicable only in specific instances where the reader requires a break due to fatigue or exhaustion.
This sign allows the reader to take a brief pause to rest and catch their breath before continuing with the recitation. It’s important to note that this pause is only acceptable if the reader is genuinely tired and needs a break; if the reader is able to continue without interruption, they should do so.
7. صلي – Preference for Continuation – Al-Wasl Awlaa
“It means that the reader is allowed to pause, although continuing is better and more preferable. As in His saying – the Almighty -: ((وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلا هُوَ ۖ وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ)،[٦, here it is permissible to pause at the word له’ even though not pausing (i.e., continuing) is better.”
8. قلي – Better not to Stop
“It means that the reader is allowed to continue, although pausing is better and more preferable. As in His saying – the Almighty -: ((قُلْ رَبِّي أَعْلَمُ بِعِدَّتِهِمْ مَا يَعْلَمُهُمْ إِلا قَلِيلٌ ۗ فَلا تُمَارِ فِيهِمْ), here it is permissible not to pause at the word قليل,’ even though pausing at it is more preferable and better.”
9. س – The Silence Symbol
Upon encountering this sign, the reader should take a brief pause. However, ensure that you do not take a breath before continuing your recitation of the Quran. “Saktah” indicates a moment for the reader to pause briefly without breaking their breath before proceeding with the reading.
10. لا – No Need of Stopping
“It means a prohibited pause or a prohibition against pausing, as in His saying – the Almighty -: ((الَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّاهُمُ الْمَلائِكَةُ طَيِّبِينَ ۙ يَقُولُونَ سَلامٌ عَلَيْكُمُ ادْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ إقرأ المزيد على موضوع.كوم: ‘), here it is forbidden to pause at the word طيبين.'”
11. ∴ – The Embracing Stop
“This is called the ‘sign of intertwining’; it means that if the reader pauses at one of them, they should continue to the other without pausing. As in His saying – the Almighty -:(ذَلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِين, here, if the reader pauses at the word ريب,’ they are not allowed to pause at the word ‘فيه,’ and vice versa.”
12. صل – The Permissible Pause
The symbol “صل” in Arabic represents a recitation rule known as qad yusal, which translates to “the permissible pause.” This rule permits the reciter to pause briefly at a specific point in the recitation, despite the symbol suggesting that the recitation should continue.
It’s important to emphasize that the qad yusal sign does not indicate a mandatory stop or pause in the recitation; rather, it denotes a permissible option.
Book Free Trial Class Now13. قف – The Anticipation Mark.
In the Arabic language, “قف” (qif) is a mark of anticipation used to indicate a pause or stop in a sentence where the reader might expect the sentence to continue without interruption. It functions similarly to a period or full stop in English but specifically signals a break or pause that may not be immediately obvious to the reader.
14. وقفتہ – The Longer Pause
In the Arabic language, “وقفة” (waqfah) is a symbol used to indicate a longer pause in a sentence without disrupting its flow. It is similar to a period or full stop in English, but it specifically signifies a pause that does not require a breath. Compared to Saktah, this symbol denotes a longer pause. Just like Saktah, when using this symbol, you will not need to break your breath during the pause.
15. ك – Similar Meaning as Previous Signs
In the Arabic language, the word “كذلك” (kadhaalik) is used to indicate that the action or statement that follows is similar to the one mentioned previously. It is akin to the English phrases “like that” or “in the same way.”This symbol carries the same connotation of action as indicated by the symbol “Laa.”
16. وقف غفران – The Sign of Supplication
“Waqf e Ghufraan” translates to “a pause for forgiveness” in Arabic. This symbol is commonly found in Islamic texts, including the Quran, and signals you should pause to seek forgiveness from Allah.
When encountering this symbol during recitation, you should stop and recite a short prayer for forgiveness. This pause provides an opportunity for you to reflect on the message included in the verse, just read and seek forgiveness for any sins committed.
17. وقف منزل – The Pause Sign of Jibrael
During the period when revelations were bestowed upon the Holy Prophet (SAWW), the Angel Jibreel would pause at certain points while conveying the Quranic verses to our Beloved Prophet (PBUH). Therefore, when you encounter this sign, you should also pause.
18. Waqf-un-Nabi
, translating to “the pause of the Prophet,” refers to a Sunnah (example set by the Prophet Muhammad SAW) observed in Quranic recitation. When reciting the Quran, Muslims strive to emulate the way the Prophet Muhammad SAW recited it.
It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SAW would pause or stop at specific points during his recitation of the Quran. These pauses were not marked by any specific symbols or diacritical marks; instead, they were based on the Prophet’s natural recitation. Such pauses are regarded as an integral part of the Sunnah.
Conclusion
Understanding the various rules and symbols of Quranic recitation is essential for every Muslim seeking to enhance their connection with the Holy Quran. By adhering to the principles of pauses, such as waqaf lazim, you can embody the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and engage in a more meaningful recitation. At Mishkah Academy, our online Quran recitation course is designed to guide you through these important principles, helping you achieve precision and spiritual depth in your recitation.
These practices not only improve the flow and comprehension of the text but also foster a deeper spiritual connection as one reflects on the messages contained within. As we continue our journey in learning and reciting the Quran, let us remain committed to these guidelines, striving for a recitation that honors the sacred words of Allah and enriches our faith.
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