In a nutshell: Quranic symbols are essential visual guides that refine recitation by marking pauses, elongations, and pronunciation rules in Tajweed. These symbols, like مـ (mandatory stop) and لا (prohibited stop), ensure clarity, while ج (permissible stop) offers flexibility. Signs for Madd (elongation), silent letters (o), and prostration (۩) further enhance precision. Some symbols even indicate subtle variations in recitation styles across Qira’at. Mastering these notations elevates fluency, accuracy, and beauty in Quranic recitation.
One of the first things you will notice when you open the Mushaf (the written Quran in Arabic) are the many small symbols placed above and sometimes below the letters. These Quranic symbols are like a special guide, helping us to recite the Quran correctly, beautifully, and according to the rules of Tajweed.
Today, insha’Allah, we will explore these important Quranic symbols and their meanings for your recitation.
What Exactly Are Quranic Symbols?
Quran symbols are the small marks, signs, and letters you see written in the Holy Quran (Mushaf) in addition to the regular Arabic text.
Quranic symbols are not part of the original Quranic revelation but were added later to help readers recite the Quran correctly according to the rules of Tajweed.
Quranic symbols guide the reader on when to stop, how to pronounce certain letters, and indicate specific rules like lengthening vowels or changing sounds.
Understanding these symbols is very helpful, especially for those who are not native Arabic speakers, to ensure accurate and beautiful recitation of the Quran.
Now, let’s look at some of these important Quranic symbols and their meanings:
Quranic Symbols Guiding Your Stops and Pauses During Recitation
When reciting the Quran, knowing where to pause or stop is very important, because it helps us to understand the meaning of the verses and to breathe properly so we can recite for longer periods.
The following Quranic Symbols guide us on when and how to stop:
1. (مـ): The Quranic Symbol of The Necessary Stop
This Quranic Symbol, which looks like a small connected Arabic letter “meem” (مـ), indicates what we call Al-Waqf Al-Laazim or the necessary stop.
When you see this symbol, you must stop at the end of the word. If you don’t stop here, the meaning of the verse might become unclear or even incorrect.
Let’s look at an example from Surah Al-An’am (Chapter 6), verse 36:
“Only those who listen will respond. But the dead – Allah will resurrect them…”
Here, the (مـ) symbol after the word “يَسْمَعُونَ” (those who listen) tells us that we must stop before continuing with “وَالْمَوْتَى يَبْعَثُهُمُ اللَّهُ” (But the dead – Allah will resurrect them).
This pause clarifies that the first part of the sentence is about the living who listen and respond, and the second part is about the resurrection of the dead.
2. (لا): The Quranic Symbol of The Prohibition of Stopping
This Quranic Symbol, which looks like the Arabic word “la” (لا) meaning “no,” indicates Mamnu’ Al-Waqf, meaning stopping is prohibited.
When you see this symbol, you should not stop at the end of the word. Stopping here might break the flow and meaning of the verse. You should continue reciting without a pause, connecting the word with what comes after it.
Consider this example from Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 262:
“الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ لَا يُتْبِعُونَ مَا أَنْفَقُوا مَنًّا وَلَا أَذًىۙ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ”
“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or [other] injury. For them is their reward with their Lord…”
See the لا after “أَذًى”? You should not to stop here. You should continue to “لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ”.
3. (صلى): The Quranic Symbol of Connection is Preferred
This Quranic Symbol indicates that Al-Wasl Awla, meaning connecting (continuing without stopping) is preferred.
However, it is also permissible to stop at this point if you need to take a breath. But generally, it is better to continue reciting.
Here’s an example from Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 38:
“We said, “Descend from Paradise, all of you.” And if there should come to you guidance from Me…”
The (صلى) symbol after “جَمِيعًا” (all of you) suggests that it is better to connect this word with the following phrase “فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ مِنِّي هُدًى” (And if there should come to you guidance from Me).
However, if you need to pause here for breath, it is allowed.
4. (قلى): The Quranic Symbol of Stopping is Preferred
This Quranic Symbol indicates Al-Waqf Awla, meaning stopping is preferred. While it is also permissible to continue reciting without stopping, it is generally better to pause at this point. Often, stopping here helps to better understand the meaning of the verse.
Consider this example from Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18), verse 22:
“Say, [O Muhammad], “My Lord is most knowing of their number. None knows them except a few.” So do not argue about them…”
The (قلى) symbol after “قَلِيلٌ” (a few) suggests that it is better to stop here before continuing with “فَلَا تُمَارِ فِيهِمْ” (So do not argue about them).
This pause emphasizes the statement about the limited knowledge of their number.
Read more about: How to Learn Quranic Arabic? A 7-Step Guide
5. (ج): The Quranic Symbol of Permissible Stop
This Quranic Symbol indicates Al-Waqf Al-Ja’iz, meaning a permissible stop. You can choose to stop here or continue reciting without stopping. Both options are correct and do not affect the meaning significantly.
The choice often depends on your breath and the rhythm of your recitation.
Here’s an example from Surah Al-Hujurat (Chapter 49), verse 7:
“And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in hardship…”
The (ج) symbol after “رَسُولَ اللَّهِ” (the Messenger of Allah) indicates that you can stop here if you wish, or you can continue directly to “لَوْ يُطِيعُكُمْ” (If he were to obey you).
6. (∴ ∴): The Quranic Symbol of Mutually Exclusive Stop
This Quranic Symbol, represented by three dots placed above two different words in a verse, indicates Waqf Al-Mu’anaqah or the mutually exclusive stop (also sometimes called the embracing stop).
This means you can stop at either of the two places where the dots appear, but not at both. You choose one or the other.
Let’s look at the very beginning of the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 2:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah…”
Here, you see the three dots above the word “رَيْبَ” (doubt) and again above the word “فِيهِ” (in it).
You can either say: “لَا رَيْبَ” (no doubt) and stop, then continue with “فِيهِ هُدًى” (in it is guidance).
Or, you can say: “لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ” (there is no doubt in it) and stop, then continue with “هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِينَ” (a guidance for those conscious of Allah).
You cannot stop after both “رَيْبَ” and “فِيهِ”.
Understanding these stopping Quranic Symbols is crucial for reciting the Quran with proper flow and understanding. At Quranica, our experienced teachers will guide you in detail on how to use these symbols effectively.
Join our Tajweed Course Today!
Quranic Symbols for Madd (Elongation)
In Tajweed, we have rules for lengthening certain vowel sounds. These Quranic symbols guide us:
1. Madd Symbol ( ٓ ): The Obligatory Lengthening
This wavy line placed above a vowel indicates a longer elongation than the natural length. The length can vary depending on the type of madd. For example:
ٱلسَّمَآءِ (As-samaa’) – The sky – The madd symbol over the ا (Alif) after the م (Meem) indicates a significant lengthening.
2. Small Letters Indicating Lengthening
Sometimes, a small letter (ا, و, ي) is written above or next to a letter to indicate a madd.
Small Alif (ٰ): Usually after a fatha, indicating a natural two-count madd. Example: وَإِسۡحَٰقَ (Wa-Ishaaqa) – and Isaac.
Small Waw (ۥ): Usually after a damma, indicating a natural two-count madd.
Example: إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ (Innahoo kaana) – Indeed, He is [Surah Al-Isra, 30] (this is madd as-silah sughra).
Small Ya (ۦ): Usually after a kasra, indicating a natural two-count madd. Example: بِعِبَادِهِۦ خَبِيرًا (Bi’ibaadihii Khabeera) – of His servants, Acquainted, Seeing [Surah Al-Isra, 30] (madd as-silah sughra).
Madd as-Silah Kubra ( ۥٓ , ۦٓ ): Greater Connection Lengthening: These look like the small waw or ya with a small madd symbol on top. They appear after the pronoun “hu” (هُ) when followed by a hamza (ء), indicating a longer madd.
Example: إِنَّهُۥٓ أَنَا (Innahooo anaa) – Indeed, I am [Surah An-Naml, 9].
Mastering the different types of madd is essential for beautiful and correct recitation, and these Quranic symbols are your visual guide! Our Quranica Tajweed course delve deep into the rules of madd with expert teachers.
Read more about: Quranic Symbols With Examples And Their Meanings
Other Quranic Symbols
Sometimes, you will see small symbols that tell you whether to pronounce a letter or not, or how to pronounce it in specific situations.
For example, Rounded Zero (o): This symbol above the letter shows this letter is not pronounced, neither when continuing the recitation nor when stopping. It indicates an extra letter that is written but silent.
The “Alif” in “وَثَمُودَاْ” is not pronounced.
And you will see other Quranic symbols that help us navigate the Quran such as Sajdah Symbol (۩): This symbol looks like a mihrab (prayer niche). When you see this, you should make sujood (prostration) during your recitation.
Example: You will find this symbol at the end of certain verses, like in Surah An-Najm (53:62):
“So prostrate to Allah and worship [Him]”
There are also Quranic Symbols help us identify the rules of Noon Sakinah and Tanween Rules. When a noon sakinah (نْ – a silent “n”) or tanween (double vowel with an “n” sound) comes before certain letters, specific pronunciation rules apply.
And there are Quranic symbols related to different readings (Riwayat).
There are minor variations in how certain words are recited according to different schools of recitation (Qira’at). These Quranic symbols indicate these variations.such as:
- Saktah (Brief Pause Without Breath) ( ۜ )
- Ismham (Rounding of Lips Without Sounding) ( ۬ )
- Imalah (Tilting the Vowel Sound) ( ٜ )
- Tashil (Facilitation of Hamza) ( ۬ )
Our Quranica Tajweed courses provide detailed explanations and practice on these rules along with their Quranic symbols!
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How Can Quranica Help You With Quranic Symbols?
This is just a small introduction to Quranic symbols. There is much more to learn! At Quranica, we make it easy for you.
Our teachers are huffaz and have ijazah (certification) to teach Quran. They know all the Tajweed rules.
They will teach you not just what the symbols mean, but also how to use them to beautify your recitation.
In our courses, you will:
- Learn about each symbol in detail: We will break down each symbol, explaining its meaning and how it affects the pronunciation and rhythm of the verse.
- Practice with examples: We will provide you with many examples from the Quran, just like we did here, so you can see how these symbols are used in real verses.
- Receive personalized feedback: Our teachers will listen to your recitation and give you personalized feedback to help you improve your Tajweed. They will help you identify any mistakes and guide you on how to correct them.
Join Quranica today and start your path toward mastering Quranic recitation.
Conclusion:
Quranic symbols are essential markings within the Mushaf that help guide proper recitation according to Tajweed rules. These symbols, though not part of the original revelation, indicate pauses, stops, elongations, and pronunciation nuances. For instance, the مـ (necessary stop) ensures clarity by marking points where pausing is obligatory, while لا (prohibited stop) warns against breaks that may alter meaning. Other symbols like صلى (preferred connection) and قلى (preferred stop) provide flexibility based on context.
Additionally, the ج (permissible stop) allows the reciter to choose whether to pause, whereas ∴∴ (mutually exclusive stop) offers two stopping choices but forbids pausing at both. Mastering these symbols enhances both the fluency and depth of Quranic recitation.
Beyond stopping signs, Quranic symbols also govern Madd (elongation), pronunciation rules, and variations in recitation styles. Symbols like ٓ (mandatory elongation), small ا, و, ي for natural Madd, and ۥٓ , ۦٓ (greater connection lengthening) dictate vowel extensions, crucial for accurate pronunciation. Additional indicators like the rounded zero (o) signal silent letters, while the ۩ (Sajdah symbol) marks verses requiring prostration.
Advanced symbols such as Saktah ( ۜ ), Imalah ( ٜ ), and Tashil ( ۬ ) highlight differences in recitation styles across Qira’at traditions. At Quranica, expert teachers with Ijazah provide in-depth training on these symbols, ensuring students develop a precise and melodious recitation.
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