1
Madd Asli — Natural (2 counts)
The default long vowel — no sign above.
قَالَ يَقُولُ قِيلَ
qāla · yaqūlu · qīla
Advanced
Types of Madd
2, 4 and 6 count stretches
Beyond the natural 2-count madd, several rules extend the sound to 4 or 6 counts. Recognising each type turns your recitation from correct into beautiful.
2
Madd Muttasil — Connected (4–5 counts)
A madd letter followed by a hamza in the same word. Stretch it noticeably.
جَاءَ السَّمَاءِ سُوءٌ
jā'a · as-samā'i · sū'un
3
Madd Munfasil — Separated (2–4 counts)
A madd letter at the end of one word followed by a hamza at the start of the next.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا إِنَّآ أَنْزَلْنَا
yā ayyuhā · innā anzalnā
4
Madd Lazim — Necessary (6 counts)
A madd letter followed by a letter carrying sukoon or shadda. Always 6 counts.
الضَّآلِّينَ ءَآلْآنَ
aḍ-ḍāllīn · āl-'ān
5
Madd 'Arid — Temporary (2, 4 or 6)
A madd letter followed by a letter that becomes sukoon only because you stopped there. Choose one length and be consistent.
الرَّحِيمِ ۖ الْعَالَمِينَ ۖ
Stop on -īm / -īn and stretch.
6
Madd Leen — Soft stretch
Waw or ya leen (sukoon after fatha) stretched when you stop on them.
قُرَيْشٍ خَوْفٍ
Quraysh · khawf — soft stretch at the stop.