Madd Munfasil is a Tajweed rule where a Madd letter (Alif, Yaa, or Waw) at the end of one word is followed by a Hamza at the start of the next. It’s a form of permissible elongation, typically stretched for 4 or 5 counts in the Hafs recitation. Understanding its meaning—“separated elongation”—helps learners remember when and how to apply it. The rule contrasts with Madd Muttasil, where the Madd letter and Hamza are in the same word and must be prolonged. 

Let’s get straight to it. One of the most common rules you need to know for correct Quran recitation is Madd Munfasil, which translates to “the separated stretch.” It happens constantly, and missing it is a common mistake for learners. 

Understanding this one rule—what it is, why it happens, and how long to stretch it—will immediately and noticeably improve the quality of your recitation.

What is Madd in Tajweed?

Madd simply means to prolong or to elongate the sound of a letter. This elongation is not random; it follows specific rules and timings that are essential for preserving the intended meaning of the Quranic verses.

As we move from the general concept of prolongation, we encounter its various types, each with its own unique condition and name. Madd Munfasil is one of the most common and important of these prolongations you will meet in your daily recitation.

If you’re just starting out, our Learn Tajweed for beginners Course can build a strong foundation.

What is Madd Munfasil?

Madd Munfasil is a sub-type of Madd al-Far’i (the secondary Madd) that occurs when a letter of Madd is at the end of a word and is followed by a Hamza (ء) which is at the beginning of the next word.

To truly grasp the rule, it helps to understand the very words that name it, as each term holds a piece of the puzzle. The name itself is a perfect description of how the rule works, making it easier to remember and apply.

1. Madd Munfasil Meaning

Let’s break down the meaning of each Arabic word:

• Madd (مَدّ): As we learned, this means elongation or prolongation.
• Munfasil (مُنْفَصِل): This means separated or detached.

Madd Munfasil is called “separated” prolongation because the cause of the Madd—the Hamza (ء)—is in a separate word from the letter of Madd itself. 

The two parts are detached, yet they interact to create this rule.

You will often hear this rule referred to by its full name, Madd Jaiz Munfasil, and this complete title carries significant meaning about its application. It tells us not just what the rule is, but also how it is applied by different reciters.

2. Why is it called Madd Jaiz Munfasil?

The word Ja’iz (جَائِز) means “permissible.” Mad Jaiz Munfasil is called permissible because, across different authentic recitation methods (Qira’at), scholars have permitted a choice. Reciters have the option to either shorten it (known as Qasr) to 2 harakat or to prolong it to 4 or 5 harakat. 

The Ruling of Madd Munfasil (Hukm)

The Hukm of Madd Munfasil is Ja’iz (permissible). This means it is permissible to prolong it for 4 or 5 counts or to shorten it to 2 counts (Qasr), depending on the Tariq (the specific chain of transmission for a recitation). 

For those of us who recite according to Hafs `an Asim via Tareeq Al-Shatibiyyah, it is prolonged for 4 or 5 counts.

This prolongation does not occur randomly; it is triggered only when one simple, clear condition is met. Identifying this condition is the key to spotting Madd Munfasil as you read.

The Condition of Madd Munfasil

The single essential condition for Madd Munfasil is: A Madd letter (Alif ا, Waw و, or Yaa’ ي) must be the last letter of a word, and the first letter of the very next word must be a Hamzat al-Qat’ (ء).

The Letters of Madd Munfasil (Huruf)

To correctly identify the condition, you must first be certain about the letters that can initiate this Madd. There are only three letters, known as the Huruf al-Madd, that can begin a Madd Munfasil.

The three letters of Madd are:

1. Alif (ا) Sakin preceded by a letter with a Fatha vowel sign.
2. Yaa’ (ي) Sakinah preceded by a letter with a Kasra vowel sign.
3. Waw (و) Sakin preceded by a letter with a Dammah vowel sign.

How long is Madd Munfasil?

In the recitation of Hafs `an Asim via Al-Shatibiyyah, the prolongation for Madd Munfasil is 4 or 5 harakat (counts). 

A harakah is the amount of time it takes to pronounce a single vowel, often described as the time it takes to extend or retract a finger at a moderate pace. 

Getting this timing right comes with practice, and using tools like Quranica’s Tajweed test and practice exercises can help you master the rhythm and flow of your recitation.

Read more about: Madd Tamkeen Rules, Letters, And Types With Examples

Madd Munfasil Examples from the Quran

Let’s look at some clear examples, one for each of the three Madd letters.

1. Examples of Madd Munfasil with Alif (ا)

“بِمَا أُنْزِلَ” 

“Bimaaa unzila” 

“…in what has been sent down” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 4) 

Here, the Madd letter Alif (ا) at the end of “بِمَا” is followed by a Hamza (أ) at the start of the next word “أُنْزِلَ”, causing the Madd Munfasil.

“يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ” 

“Yaaa ayyuhan-naas” 

“O mankind…” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 21) 

In this very common phrase, the word “يَا” ends with the Madd letter Alif (ا) and is followed by the word “أَيُّهَا”, which begins with a Hamza (أ).

2. Examples Madd Munfasil with Ya (ي)

“وَفِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ” 

“Wafeee anfusikum” 

“…And in yourselves” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat: 21) 

This example shows the Madd letter Yaa’ (ي) at the end of “فِي” followed by the Hamza (أ) at the beginning of “أَنْفُسِكُمْ”.

“إِنِّي أَنَا اللَّهُ” 

“Inneee anallaah” 

“Indeed, I am Allah…” (Surah Taha: 14) 

Here, the word “إِنِّي” ends with the Madd letter Yaa’ (ي), and the following word “أَنَا” starts with a Hamza (أ), creating the condition for Madd Munfasil.

3. Example of Madd Munfasil with Waw (و)

“قُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ” 

“Qoooo anfusakum” 

“…protect yourselves” (Surah At-Tahrim: 6) 

Here, the Madd letter Waw (و) at the end of “قُوا” is followed by a Hamza (أ) at the beginning of “أَنْفُسَكُمْ”, creating the Madd Munfasil.

“تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ” 

“Toobooo ilallaah” 

“…repent to Allah” (Surah An-Nur: 31) 

In this verse, the word “تُوبُوا” ends with the Madd letter Waw (و), and it is immediately followed by the word “إِلَى”, which begins with a Hamza (إِ).

Comparison between Madd Munfasil and Madd Muttasil With Examples

In the study of Tajweed, some rules are best learned in pairs. Madd Munfasil has a very close relative called Madd Muttasil. They sound similar and share the same length, which can sometimes confuse new learners. However, understanding one simple difference between them will make identifying them second nature.

The core distinction between Madd Munfasil and Madd Muttasil lies in their names: Munfasil means “separated,” while Muttasil means “connected.” 

So, in Madd Munfasil, the Madd letter and the Hamza are in two separate words. 

In Madd Muttasil, they are connected in the very same word.

Let’s look at a direct comparison to make it crystal clear:

Let’s see this fundamental difference in action with examples from the Quran.

Madd Munfasil and Muttasil Examples 

Seeing the Madd muttasil and munfasil examples next to each other makes the distinction instantly clear.

1. Madd Muttasil and Madd Munfasil Examples with Alif (ا):

Madd Munfasil: “إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ” (Surah Al-Kawthar: 1). 

The Alif in إِنَّا is separate from the Hamza in أَعْطَيْنَاكَ.

Madd Muttasil: “وَالسَّمَاءِ” (Surah Al-Buruj: 1). 

The Alif and the Hamza (ء) are together in the single word السَّمَاءِ.

2. Madd Muttasil and Madd Munfasil Examples with Yaa (ي):

Madd Munfasil: “الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُمْ” (Surah Quraysh: 4). 

The Yaa in وَالَّذِي is separate from the Hamza in أَطْعَمَهُمْ.

Madd Muttasil: “وَجِيءَ” (Surah Al-Fajr: 23). 

The Yaa and the Hamza (ء) are together in the single word جِيءَ.

How to Learn Madd Munfasil

Learning Madd Munfasil is a beautiful process that involves your eyes, your ears, and your voice. With a bit of focus and consistent practice, you can master it.

Here is a simple, step-by-step path to help you perfect your Madd Munfasil:

1. Solidify the Foundation

Before you can spot it, you must know exactly what you are looking for. Constantly remind yourself of the core condition: A Madd letter (ا, و, or ي) at the end of one word, immediately followed by a Hamza (ء) at the beginning of the next word. Burn this simple formula into your memory. It is the unshakable foundation for everything else.

2. Develop Your “Tajweed Ear”

Open the Quran and listen—truly listen—to a recording by a master Qari (reciter) like Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary or Sheikh Mishary Rashid Alafasy. 

Follow along in your Mushaf and pay close attention to how their voice beautifully stretches for 4 to 5 counts whenever they encounter a Madd Munfasil. 

Don’t just hear the sound; feel the timing. This trains your ear to recognize the correct sound and length, making it much easier to replicate.

3. Become an Active Learner

Now, it’s your turn to find it. Take a Mushaf and a highlighter and go through a page of the Quran you are familiar with, perhaps the beginning of Surah Al-Mulk or Surah Yasin. 

Actively search for every instance of Madd Munfasil. When you find one, like “إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ”, say the rule out loud—”Ah, here is a Madd letter Alif at the end of a word, and a Hamza at the start of the next one”—and then highlight it. 

This physical act of searching and marking transforms passive reading into active learning.

4. Recite to a Qualified Teacher

This is the most critical step. You can listen and practice alone, but nothing can replace the guidance of a qualified teacher who can provide you with immediate feedback. 

Your teacher will tell you if your stretch is too short (2-3 counts) or too long (6+ counts) and help you find that perfect 4-5 count rhythm. 

This is where having a guide becomes invaluable. In our one-on-one classes at Quranica, our Azhar-certified teachers listen to you, correct your timing with care, and ensure your prolongation is consistent and accurate, just as it should be.

5. Record, Compare, and Refine

Use your phone to record yourself reciting a few verses that contain multiple instances of Madd Munfasil. 

Then, play back your recording and compare it directly with a recording of your favorite Qari reciting the same verses. Are you holding the Madd for the same duration? 

This simple technique helps you become your own critic and fine-tune your recitation with precision.

Perfect Prolongation with Quranica

Perfecting the art of prolongation is a journey of patience, practice, and proper guidance. 

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Our teachers are more than just tutors; they are native Arab instructors, graduates of the prestigious Al-Azhar University, who hold Ijazah (a certified license to teach the Quran). 

They carry with them years of dedicated experience in teaching the Quran and Arabic to non-native speakers, offering an authentic learning experience that connects you directly to the tradition of Quranic recitation.

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We have courses made for you, regardless of whether you are just starting out or want to expand on your current knowledge:

• Online Quran Classes for Beginners: Start your journey with the basics.
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• Online Quran Tafseer Course: Dive deeper into the meaning and interpretation of the Quran.
• Learn Arabic Online Course: Unlock the beauty of the Quran’s original language.
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Explore our full range of courses.

Conclusion

Madd in Tajweed refers to the elongation of certain letters in Quranic recitation, which plays a crucial role in preserving the meanings and rhythm of the verses. Among its types, Madd Munfasil stands out as a commonly encountered form.

Madd Munfasil occurs when a Madd letter (Alif, Waw, or Yaa) appears at the end of one word and is followed by a Hamza at the start of the next word. Its name, meaning “separated elongation,” reflects this very condition.

This type of Madd is known as Jaiz (permissible), giving reciters the choice to stretch the sound for 2, 4, or 5 counts depending on their recitation method (Tariq). In Hafs `an Asim via Al-Shatibiyyah, it’s typically prolonged for 4 or 5 counts.

Identifying Madd Munfasil requires spotting one of the three Madd letters followed immediately by a Hamza in the next word. The article provides helpful Quranic examples for each Madd letter—Alif, Yaa, and Waw—demonstrating how this rule is applied.

Lastly, it distinguishes Madd Munfasil from Madd Muttasil. While both involve Madd letters and Hamza, Madd Munfasil spans two words (making it optional), whereas Madd Muttasil occurs within one word and must be prolonged.