علامات الوقف والابتداء

Waqf Symbols in the Quran

Waqf (وقف) means stopping in recitation. These symbols guide you on where to pause, where to continue, and where stopping is mandatory.

Quick Reference

مAlways stop

لاNever stop

طStop here

جEither is fine

زPrefer continue

صلPrefer continue

قلStop here

قلىPrefer stop

Waqf LazimMandatory Stop

You must stop here.

Stopping is required. Continuing without stopping would change or distort the meaning of the verse. This is the most important stop marker.

If you continue without stopping, the meaning of the verse will be incorrect or misleading.

لا

Waqf MamnooNo Stop

Do not stop here.

Stopping here is not permitted. The sentence is incomplete and stopping would break the meaning.

If you must breathe, go back and restart from the beginning of the verse or a suitable earlier point.

Waqf MutlaqAbsolute Stop

Stop here. Meaning is complete.

The meaning is fully complete at this point. Stopping is appropriate. This is a natural and clean stopping point.

Similar to the end of a paragraph in a book.

Waqf JaaizPermitted Stop

You may stop or continue - both are fine.

The meaning is grammatically complete here, but the sentence connects to what follows. Stopping is permitted. Continuing is also fine.

Your choice - both stopping and continuing preserve the meaning.

Waqf MujawwazPermitted but Better to Continue

Stopping is allowed but continuing is preferred.

The meaning has a slight connection to what follows. You may stop, but it is better to continue if you have breath.

Stop if needed, but continue if you can.

Waqf MurakhkhasStopping Absolutely Permitted

Stopping is absolutely fine here.

This mark usually appears where the verse is long and stopping is needed for recitation. Stopping is allowed here as a concession.

A practical stopping point for long verses.

صل

Wasl UlaBetter to Continue

Continuing is preferred over stopping.

The meaning is connected to what follows. It is better to continue reading without stopping, though stopping is not prohibited.

Try to continue, but you may stop if necessary.

قل

Waqf KaafiSufficient Stop

A sufficient stopping point. Meaning is clear.

The meaning is clear and complete here, although what follows is connected in subject matter. A clean place to pause.

A good resting point in a longer passage.

قلى

Waqf AwlaBetter to Stop

Stopping here is preferred.

It is better to stop here than to continue, though continuing is not forbidden. The meaning is complete and a stop is more appropriate.

Stop here when possible.

Ayah EndEnd of Verse

Marks the end of an ayah. Stopping is Sunnah.

This circular mark (sometimes rendered as a circle with a number) marks the end of each ayah. The Prophet (saw) used to pause at the end of every verse in recitation.

Stopping at each ayah end is the Sunnah way of recitation.

General rule for beginners

If you are just starting out, the most important rule is: always stop at the end of each ayah (verse). The Prophet (saw) recited the Quran by pausing at the end of each verse. This is the safest and most Sunnah-aligned way to recite.