What is Madd?

Madd (مَدّ) refers to the prolongation of certain vowel sounds in Quran recitation. The duration of prolongation is measured in harakaat (beats). Correct madd is one of the most audible markers of proper Tajwid.

Types of Madd

• Madd Asli (طبيعي) – Natural Madd: 2 harakaat. Occurs when a madd letter (ا، و، ي) is not followed by hamzah or sukoon
• Madd Muttasil (متصل) – Connected Madd: 4–5 harakaat. Madd letter followed by hamzah in the same word
• Madd Munfasil (منفصل) – Separated Madd: 4–5 harakaat. Madd letter at end of word followed by hamzah at start of next word
• Madd Aaridh lis-Sukoon (عارض للسكون): 2, 4 or 6 harakaat. Madd letter followed by a letter that receives sukoon due to waqf (stopping)
• Madd Laazim (لازم): 6 harakaat. Always occurs at certain letters in the Quran