Long Vowels (Madd)

Intermediate

Long Vowels (Madd)

Stretch the sound

Long vowels double the length of a sound. They are formed by three 'letters of madd': ا و ي.

1

Alif = long 'aa'

A fatha followed by a bare alif.

قَالَ

qāla — 'he said'

2

Waw = long 'oo'

A damma followed by a bare waw.

يَقُولُ

yaqūlu — 'he says'

3

Ya = long 'ee'

A kasra followed by a bare ya.

قِيلَ

qīla — 'it was said'

4

Hold the sound

Long vowels are held for 2 counts. Longer holds (4 or 6) appear with special madd signs above them.

الْقُرْآن

The word 'Qur'an' — hold the 'aa'.