Madd (Lengthening)
Madd Asli (Natural Madd)
The basic lengthening of ا, و or ي for two counts, with no hamzah or sukun following.
مد أصلي
Scope
When it applies
- ا
- و
- ي
Method
How to pronounce it
Hold the vowel for two counts — roughly the time to say "one, two" at reciting pace. This is the default length everything else is measured against.
Examples
Worked examples
Each is cited so you can find it in the mushaf and check it yourself.
| Reference | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1:2 | الْعَالَمِينَ | Alif held two counts. |
| 112:1 | قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ | Natural madd in هُوَ. |
Honestly
Common mistakes
- Rushing to one count, which clips the word.
- Stretching to four counts, which belongs to a different rule.
Related
Other rules in this group
Rules are learned by ear, not by list
A tutor hears the sound you are making and corrects it. That is the part a written rule cannot do.
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Questions about this rule
What is Madd Asli (Natural Madd)?
The basic lengthening of ا, و or ي for two counts, with no hamzah or sukun following.
Which letters does Madd Asli (Natural Madd) apply to?
ا، و، ي — 3 letters in total.
How is Madd Asli (Natural Madd) applied?
Hold the vowel for two counts — roughly the time to say "one, two" at reciting pace. This is the default length everything else is measured against.
What mistakes are common with Madd Asli (Natural Madd)?
Rushing to one count, which clips the word. and Stretching to four counts, which belongs to a different rule.. These are the reason the rule is learned with a tutor listening rather than from a written description.
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