Important Rules Of Recitation of Quran

By Quran Schooling | 15 Mar 2022

Reciting the Holy Quran is one thing, and reciting it in a proper way is a different thing altogether. If you are not familiar with the basic rules of recitation, then you may not be doing this properly.

So, are you aware of the signs and symbols that are found above some words? Their meaning, purpose, and importance? If you want to learn Quran recitation, you need to understand and follow the Quran rules of recitation for pauses, stops, starts, and cut-offs. Thus, today Quran Schooling brings to you the important as well as basic rules of recitation of the Quran.

Basic Rules Of Recitation Of Quran

Let us start with the basic rules of Quran recitation. A lot of people are unaware of the basic symbols and signs that they see in the Quran. Thus, here are the basic Quran recitation rules and symbols that you guys need to know about.

basic rules of recitation of Quran

1) o– The Conclusion of Verse - Waqf e Taam

The Waqf e Lazim symbol means to stop reading at this point. In literal translation, the word Lazim means to do at any cost, or imperative. Taking a pause here is extremely important as if you do not take a pause here, the whole meaning of the sentence will alter.

2) مـ - The Compulsory Stop - Waqf e Lazim

The Waqf e Lazim symbol means to stop reading at this point. In literal translation, the word Lazim means to do at any cost, or imperative. Taking a pause here is extremely important as if you do not take a pause here, the whole meaning of the sentence will alter.

3) ط – The Absolute Pause - Waqf e Mutlaq

This is a stop sign that will indicate the reciter to take a gap during the recitation. Once you see this symbol, you need to take a breath and immediately discontinue for an instant. You should know that it is highly important to discontinue at this point as this will make the reading process easier for you.

4) ج – The Permissible Stop - Waqf e Jaaiz

This symbol points towards completing the matter that is discussed in the fragment of the Ayah. So, when you reach this point, immediately stop. But if you think it's obligatory, you are wrong. But it does hold importance as by halting for a moment, you can easily understand the meaning that is discussed in the previous Ayat.

5) ز – Continue Reading - Waqf e Mujawwaz

This sign of Waqf e Majuwwaz means that the reciter should not take a pause and should keep on reciting the Quran. Note, that there is no prohibition if you stop there as well.

6) ص - The Licensed Pause - Waqf e Murakh-Khas

If you are tired and are looking to take a break before you move on, you should wait for this symbol. Thanks to this symbol, you can take a break and a breath when you are tired. You should be aware that only if you are tired, you can take a break. Otherwise, carry on reciting.

7) صلي – Preference for Continuation - Al-Wasl Awlaa

This Quran's rule of recitation is among the important ones. This rule allows the Quranic recitation to continue as there is no need to stop.

8) ق – Better not to Stop - Qeela ‘Alayhil-Waqf

This symbol indicates not to stop during the recitation. But there are a number of differing opinions as some say they should stop while the others do not agree with this.

9) صل – The Permissible Pause - Qad Yusal

This symbol will specify the permission to continue the recitation although you should stop at this point.

10) ف – The Anticipation Mark - Qif

If you as a reciter do not consider a stop sign necessary, then make sure that before moving on, you should look at the top of the stop sign.

11) س – The Silence Symbol - Saktah

When taking a look at this sign, the reader should immediately take a pause. But make sure not to break your breath before you continue your Quranic recitation.

12) وقفتہ – The Long Pause - Waqfah

Similar to Saktah, this symbol shows a longer pause than Saktah. As this symbol is similar to Saktah, you will not have to break your breath when taking the break.

13) لا – No Need of Stopping - Laa

When this symbol comes, there is no need to stop or discontinue reading the verses. As if you discontinue when this symbol comes, it will change the meaning of the Quranic verses. If it is used at the end of the Ayah with the Circle Mark of Conclusion, then you can stop reciting.

14) ك – Similar Meaning as Previous Sign - Kadhaalik

This symbol has the same connotation of action as mentioned by the symbol Laa.

15) ∴ – The Embracing Stop - Mu'anaqah

As a reciter of the Holy Quran, you will not notice this sign too frequently. This symbol will come in only a few verses, as it is mentioned in the Al-Baqarah ayat 2:

ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ”

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah”

As we can see in the above-mentioned verse, this symbol will be visible multiple times in the same verse. The reciter should stop at either of the triplets that are included.

16) وقف النبی – The Pause of Prophet PBUH - Waqf-un-Nabi

Our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH) taught us a lot of things. Not only did he teach us through his words of wisdom, but he (SAWW) taught his ummah a lot through his noble actions. Similarly, when it comes to the Quranic recitation, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) set examples there as well.

So, when you witness this symbol “وقف النبی”, you should stop there and take a pause, as these are the exact points where the Holy Prophet PBUH stopped and paused during the Quran recitation.

17) وقف غفران – The Sign of Supplication - Waqf e Ghufraan

This symbol indicates that the reciter should immediately take a pause and make a prayer in front of Allah Azza Wa Jal.

18) وقف منزل – The Pause Sign of Jibrael A.S - Waqf e Manzil

During the time when revelations were revealed on the Holy Prophet (SAWW) one way or another, the Angel Jibreel would stop at certain points and take a pause when revealing the Quranic revelation to our Beloved Prophet (PBUH). Thus, when this sign comes, as a reciter, you should take a pause at that point as well.

Each sign and symbol has its own importance. As a Muslim and a firm believer, it is our duty to follow these rules for reciting the Holy Quran. But this is not it. Below are a few more details about the rules for Quran recitation that you should know about.

The Starting Rules Of Reciting The Quran

In our previous paragraphs and headings, we mentioned the Quran recitation stopping rules. But to provide proper guidance of Quran recitation, let us take a look at the start rules of reciting the Holy Quran.

1) The Allowed Start

Once we are done with covering the major topic that is related to the rules to recite the Quran, taking a look at the start rules is important as well.

When reciting the Holy Quran, you are allowed to have to start with whatever comes with a complete or a sufficient stop.

Besides, you can also start with what will come after a good stop, but only if the stop is the end of a verse.

Even If there is a correct meaning in the middle of the verse, then you should start the recitation the way it is mentioned.

2) The Not Allowed Start

Keep in mind that you are not allowed to cut off the recitation in the middle of a verse, and then start again from the middle. You can only cut off at the end of a verse. If you are interested in starting, you should start from the beginning of the verse or even the Surah.

Furthermore, you do not have permission to start the verse in a way that will change the meaning. This start will be among the biggest repulsiveness.

If in any case the not allowed does start, the reciter must go back and start from a proper and suitable meaning of the verse. This is especially important when the verse is long and it is tough to come up with it as a whole.

How Should You Stop When Reciting The Holy Quran?

Until now, we have learned the Quran reciting rules at which we should stop when reciting the Holy Quran. But now, we will take a look at how to stop when reading the Holy Quran.

So, whether you have to stop at the end of a verse or a phrase, or you only have to draw breath, the following must be observed.

Manners To Understand When Reading And Handling The Holy Quran

When it comes to reciting the Holy Quran, you need to follow the basic etiquettes to recite the Quran. Curious about what they are? Here are the details that will explain it to you.

Final Words

It is the wish of every Muslim to learn the Holy Quran. But if you are reciting the Holy Quran but are unaware of the major Quran recitation rules, there is no point. Thus, take a look at these rules of recitation of the Quran to avoid any possible mistakes.

Besides, now you can also learn Quran recitation online as this way you can learn about all the rules of recitation without any trouble.

For your help, we have also created a PDF document for you to learn the 18 rules of Quran recitation. So, click on the link below and learn the rules easily.

Follow These Important Rules Of Recitation of Quran