Quick Facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Category
- Madd and Lengthening
- When it occurs
- It occurs when a madd letter is followed by the final consonant of a word, and stopping makes that consonant temporarily saakin.
- Letters involved
- ا · و · ي
Understand the rule
'Arid li-Sukun means occurring because of sukoon. A natural madd letter is followed by the final consonant of the word, and the reciter stops there, making that final consonant temporarily sakin. The stop imposes a temporary sukoon on the final letter, and the madd letter may then be lengthened two, four, or six counts. If the reciter continues instead, the temporary sukoon disappears and only the two counts of natural Madd remain. This rule shows how a stopping decision changes timing.
When does it occur?
It occurs when a madd letter is followed by the final consonant of a word, and stopping makes that consonant temporarily saakin.
Which letters are involved?
How is it pronounced?
When stopping: two, four, or six counts are permitted and should be applied consistently. When continuing: only the two counts of natural Madd.
Examples
The examples below are clearly labelled teaching examples and are not from the Quran. Use them to notice the rule, then confirm your recitation with a qualified teacher.
كَرِيمْ karīm (generous) — Not from the Quran
Common Mistakes
- Keeping the long length even while continuing recitation.
- Confusing the temporary stop-sukoon with the permanent sukoon of Madd Lazim.
Connect this lesson
Madd Tabii
Madd Tabii is the natural two-count lengthening of Alif, Waw, or Ya when the matching vowel comes before it and no hamzah or sukoon creates another Madd category.
Open lesson: Madd TabiiMadd Lin
Madd Lin is the permitted lengthening of Waw or Ya when either is sakin after a fatha, followed by one consonant, and the reciter stops on the word.
Open lesson: Madd LinMadd Lazim Kalimi
Madd Lazim Kalimi is the necessary madd of six counts that occurs when a madd letter in a word is followed by a permanent sukoon, such as a letter with an original sukoon within the same word.
Open lesson: Madd Lazim KalimiRemember
The sukoon is a guest of the stop: it arrives when you pause and leaves when you continue.
Practice
Try to identify the trigger first, say the sound slowly, then listen and repeat. Short, accurate practice is more useful than rushing through many examples.
- Why does the length of 'Arid li-Sukun depend on whether you stop or continue?
- Which longer madd looks similar but always takes six counts?
Question 1 of 2
Which definition does this lesson give for Madd 'Arid li-Sukun?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which count should I choose for 'Arid li-Sukun?
Two, four, or six counts are permitted; choose one duration and keep it consistent through the recitation, ideally with a teacher's guidance.
Sources and review notes
What still needs review?
- Standard Hafs classification of the permitted range; consistency of the chosen duration should be confirmed with a qualified teacher.
A reference records the source used for study; it does not mean the source author approved this lesson.
Important Note
Tajweed is best learned through both understanding and listening. Written explanations can help you understand the rules, but correct pronunciation, timing, and articulation are best learned by listening to a qualified reciter or teacher and practicing along with them.
For the best results, combine reading, listening, repetition, and guidance from a qualified Tajweed teacher.