The Signs Used in the Quran for Waqf & Wasl

1. (O) is the symbol for the completion of an ayah.

2. ( )is the symbol when there is a difference of opinion regarding the completion of an
ayah. It is permissible here to stop (considering it an ayah).
3. ( = )waqf lazim (necessary). If the speech is being completed, it is necessary to stop.
4. ( = )waqf mutlaq. It is necessary to stop at such a place.
5. ( = )waqf jaiz (permissible).
6. ( = )waqf mujawwwaz. It is permitted to stop at such a place.
7. ( = )waqf murakhas. When needed, a waqf may be applied.
8. ( )is the symbol for ( it has been said that here waqf may be applied). Over
here, there is no harm in stopping; but it is very weak.
9. ( )is the symbol for ( just like the preceding). This means that after waqf, this will
also be waqf; and after wasl this will also be wasl.

10. ( )is the short form of ( waqf is done over here occasionally). It is not a
command to stop. Here there is no harm in pausing, but it is not good to stop intentionally.

11. ( )is the short form of ( sometimes wasl is made over here) and it is the
opposite of . It is better to do wasl here rather than applying waqf.

12. ( )is the short for ( continuation is preferred). If waqf is applied, then one
should repeat the word upon which the waqf is done.

13. ( )is the short for ( there is no waqf upon it). It is impermissible to make waqf
here.

The Signs Used in the Quran for Waqf & Wasl

14. ( )is the sign for a stop regarding which there is a disagreement. It is also the short of
( It is said that there is no waqf over here). It is better to avoid waqf. According
to those who allow waqf, there will be no repetition.

15. (
) is called . In this situation, wasl is better but waqf is also acceptable. If waqf is
applied then the word should not be repeated.

16. () is a sign of waqf mu`anaqah. On the margins of the page of the Quran, the short of
mu`anaqah is written. If there are three dots in two places within a verse
(eg: ... ...), neither waqf twice nor wasl twice will be applied in both places. Rather,
either wasl will be done on the first and waqf on the second, or waqf on the first and wasl on
the second.

17. ( )is the short for ( waqf with saktah). In reality, this is not a waqf but
rather a very long saktah. The saktah over here will be prolonged the length of a waqf.
However, the original saktah is not permissible; additionally, if waqf is applied it is okay.

18. ( ) it is mustahabb to make waqf here.

19. ( ) is also called Waqf Jibreel. These signs indicate to the waqfs that occurred
when the Quran was being revealed. Whenever Jibreel made waqf, Rasulullah
would also apply waqf. Hence, to apply waqf at this juncture is mustahabb.

20. ( ) It is better to apply a complete waqf rather than applying wasl.

21. ( ) Applying waqf at this juncture is detested. Therefore it is better to avoid waqf.

NOTE:
1) In Surat Insaan/Dahr, the word occurs twice. In the 2nd occurrence, the last is not to be
recited in all scenarios: neither for waqf nor for wasl. In the 1st occurrence, the will be read except in
the case of wasl.
2) When applying waqf on a -mushaddad or a -mushaddad, the shaddah will be pronounced with
extra force. For example