Madd letters in Tajweed, known as Huruf al-Madd, are essential for proper Quranic recitation. These three letters—Alif, Waw, and Ya—enable elongation of sound and follow specific rules based on the vowels that come before them.
In Tajweed, Huruf al-Madd (مَدّ) are the three letters that allow a natural lengthening (madd) of sound. These letters are:
- Alif (ا)
- Waw (و)
- Ya (ي)
Each letter has specific conditions to qualify as a letter of madd, and understanding them is essential for correct Quranic recitation.
Alif (ا)
- Must be sakinah (non-voweled).
- The letter before it must carry a fatḥah (ـَ).
- Example: قال – the alif is preceded by a fatḥah, so it becomes a madd letter.
Note: Alif is never a madd letter unless preceded by a fatḥah.
Waw (و)
- Must be sakinah.
- The letter before it must carry a ḍammah (ـُ).
- Example: يقول – the waw is preceded by a ḍammah and functions as a madd letter.
If the waw is preceded by a fatḥah, as in خوف, it becomes a letter of leen (soft letter), not a madd letter.
Ya (ي)
- Must be sakinah.
- The letter before it must carry a kasrah (ـِ).
- Example: قيل – the ya is preceded by a kasrah and acts as a madd letter.
If the ya is preceded by a fatḥah, as in بيت, it becomes a leen letter, not a madd letter.
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Conclusion:
The Huruf al-Madd — Alif, Waw, and Ya — are essential for applying proper Tajweed. Each letter must follow specific conditions related to the vowel before it.
Read a full guide to the types of Madd.
