Waqf
The Rules of Stopping (Waqf)
Definition
'To stop on the last letter of a complete word, which is disconnected from the word after it, and giving the last letter a sukoon and by breaking the breath, then taking a new breath to read the next word.'
(Jami-ul-waqaf)
-
The proper way to stop in a word is by putting a
on the last letter of the word. If there is a harakah (
) or tanween (
) on the last letter of a word before a stop, that letter is made into a sukoon
E.g
(112:1) | ![]() |
will be read as | ![]() |
The last word will be read 'ahad' and not 'ahadun'
E.g
(78:16) |
|
will be read as | ![]() |
Will be read 'al faa faa' and not 'al faa fan'
- If the last letter is a 'taa marbutah' (
), it is read as 'ha'
()
E.g
(88:5) |
|
will be read as | ![]() |
Will be read 'aa-niah' and not 'aa-niatin'
- If the last letter of a word contains a 'hamzah' (
), the harakah on the hamzah is changed into a sukoon
(), and the hamzah is read clearly.
A common mistake when stopping at a hamzah is not to indicate the presence of the hamzah at all
E.g
(14:24) |
|
will be read as | ![]() |
||
(7:156) |
|
will be read as | ![]() |
- If the last letter of a word contains a 'tashdeed' (
), the mashaddad letter is changed into a saakin letter, BUT making sure the tashdeed is still read i.e. by spending more time on the letter (refer to
Shaddah
)
(111:1) |
|
will be read as | ![]() |
||
(but without the qalqalah) | |||||
(78:39) |
|
![]() |
|||
(but without the qalqalah) |
![]() |
Click 'here' to view practice exercises for the rules of ending with Shaddah |
NB remember to tighten / emphasize the saakin letter so to differentiate from an ordinary saakin letter
- A waqf is only correct if breath is taken before reading the following word. To read the last letter as sukoon (
) and not to renew the breath is incorrect.
- The opposite of waqf is known as 'wasl'. Wasl means to join verses / sentences without stopping.
- Different letters / symbols are placed to indicate compulsory stops, recommended stops, better to read on, and other such commands:
ۢ |
The compulsory stop - we have to stop, wasl is prohibited |
ۙ | The prohibited stop - we can not stop |
ۖ |
The good stop - it is better to continue, but stopping is allowed |
ۗ | The sufficient stop - it is better to stop |
ۚ | The quality stop - it is the same to stop or continue |
ۜ | The subtle stop/pause - stop vocal sound for a brief time, without taking breath |
|
Necessary stop - denotes end of sentence |
![]() |
Stopping at either of the points but not at both |
Read PDF File
Click here to view a printable chart depicting the symbols of Waqf
(where to and where not to stop)
![]() |
Click 'here' to view practice exercises for the rules of Waqf |
Comments