The recitation of Quran is not only about learning the rules of Tajweed concerned with the proper pronunciation of letters, but it also involves learning about the rules of stopping points in the Quran.
Exploring the rule of Waqf Lazim in the Holy Quran is the main focus of this blog post since it does not only refer to a break in recitation but also a means of preserving the meaning of the verses. We will go through the concept of Waqf Lazim providing examples and practical tips to observe it.
What is Waqf-e-Lazim in Quran?
Waqf-e-Lazim in the Quran refers to the rule of the mandatory pause while reciting the Quran. This pause is to be made at a specific point in the Quranic verse and it can be located by following the position of the quran stop signs or symbols مـ.
The significance of this pause lies in the fact that it is essential for preserving the intended meaning of the Ayat. It is imperative to observe this stop as neglecting the pause can potentially alter the message of the entire verse.
Waqf Lazim in Quran Examples
Example 1
The first example we will look at to highlight the rule is from Surah Al-Baqarah:
(وَأَمَّا الذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللهُ بِهَذَا مَثَلاً ۘ يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيرَاً وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيرَاً)
At this point in the verse, one must pause after the word (مَثَلاً) because if you continue reciting, the intended meaning will be different. The first part relates to what the disbelievers said whereas the second part starting with (يُضِلُّ) is Allah’s response to their claims. Thus, neglecting the pause will result the listener to assume that both parts were said by the disbelievers.
Example 2
Another example of Mandatory Waqf rules in Quran is found in Surah Al-Qasas:
(وَلَا تَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ ۘ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ )
In this verse, the reciter needs to pause at (آخَرَ) as what comes after it (لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ) is a description of Allah SWT that is the only worthy of worship, not the other dieties that disbelievers claim to be worthy of worship.
This, again, demonstrates the necessity of Waqf Lazim for maintaining the message of the Quran and providing a clear understanding of it.
Example 3
A third example that signifies the importance of Waqf-e-Lazim in Quran is located in Surah Al-An’aam:
(إِنَّمَا يَسْتَجِيبُ الَّذِينَ يَسْمَعُونَ ۘ وَالْمَوْتَىٰ يَبْعَثُهُمُ اللَّهُ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ)
Not observing the obligatory pause after (يَسْمَعُونَ) leads to misunderstanding the meaning of the verse because it will lead the listener to think that the ones who accept the message of the Prophet PBUH are those who listen intently allowing the message to seep into their hearts, in addition to the dead. Of course, this is not the true meaning of the verse, hereby, a pause is necessary for this meaning to be properly comprehended.
Practical Tips to Observe Quran Waqf Rules:
After providing a clear explanation of the Waqf Lazim rule, this section is dedicated to some practical tips for you to follow if you seek to observe this rule:
1. Understand the Rules
It is only natural to assume that you need a clear and accurate understanding of the Mandatory Waqf rule if you wish to apply it while reciting the Quran. This can be achieved through reading the rule from a book or listening to an explanation of it from a YouTube video. It is certain that you will find numerous credible sources to learn this rule from so choose the one that suits you best.
2. Listen to Recitations and Recite Aloud
Together with learning the theoretical aspect of the Waqf rules in the Quran, it is important to listen carefully and attentively to the recitation of expert reciters and observe their application of the rules. This aids in a better retention of the information and thus, a better application.
It is quite useful to recite aloud imitating the Qari you have been listening to in order to make sure that your recitation follows the same pattern and that you observe the same stops. This guarantees a proper recitation of the Quran along with a better understanding of the meaning of the Ayat.
3. Practice Regularly
It does not do to learn all the rules of reading quran in one go without following a consistent schedule of practice. Setting aside dedicated time every day to practice stopping rules is essential in reinforcing your learning and improving your retention. With every practice session, you are guaranteed to get better.
4. Focus on Meaning
Take advantage of the opportunity you have to learn Waqf-e-Lazim in the Quran to enhance your understanding of the Quran. You can do this by resorting to a simple book of Tafseer or a translation of the meaning of the Ayat when you come across a position of Waqf Lazim.
Take the time to understand the reason why you need to stop at this point and the implications of continuing the recitation without pause.
5. Seek Guidance
Certainly, when you find that learning the rules of Waqf is getting too challenging, you can always seek help from native Arabic tutors in an online tajweed course. They can clear any misconceptions you have about the rule and rectify any mistakes you are making while trying to apply them during your recitation. They could also offer more tips on how to get better at applying the rules of stopping in the Quran.
What is the Duration for Stopping at a Waqf-e-Lazim?
Waqf Lazim should be a slight stop giving the chance for the reciter to take their breath comfortably before resuming their quran recitation. It does not mean, by any chance, that the reciter should stop their recitation altogether, it only necessitates a brief pause.
Conclusion
It should be clear to all students of the Quran that mastering the recitation of the Quran requires learning a set of skills that are indispensable, including the rule of Waqf Lazim in the Quran. It can get confusing at first but by following the techniques provided in the blog post, you should be off to a good start. And remember! There are always experts you can reach out to if you need help.
