Long vowels are formed by adding a Madd letter (ا و ي) after a short vowel. They must be held for exactly two counts (two beats). The three Madd letters are called "Huroof ul Madd" — the letters of extension.
The Rule of Madd Asli (Natural Extension)
Hold every long vowel for exactly 2 counts. Count "one-two" in your mind while pronouncing it. This is called Madd Asli (natural Madd) and is the foundation of all Madd rules.
The Three Long Vowels
Alif Madd — بَا
Fatha (َ) followed by Alif (ا) = long "aa" sound
Long "aa" — like "father" held for 2 counts
After a fatha, an alif stretches the "a" sound to two beats.
Waw Madd — بُو
Damma (ُ) followed by Waw (و) with sukoon = long "oo" sound
Long "oo" — like "moon" held for 2 counts
After a damma, waw stretches the "u" sound to two beats.
Ya Madd — بِي
Kasra (ِ) followed by Ya (ي) with sukoon = long "ee" sound
Long "ee" — like "see" held for 2 counts
After a kasra, ya stretches the "i" sound to two beats.
Bismillah — Practice All Three Madd Letters
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ — Notice: الرَّحْمَٰنِ has Alif Madd (آ), and الرَّحِيمِ has Ya Madd (يم). Bismillah itself is perfect practice for Madd letters.
Quran Examples — All Three Long Vowels
القاعدة النورانية
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