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Hamzah Rules
Surah: Yunus (90)
The Extended Madd of Hamza Al-Zayyat — Its Measure and Method
ءَامَنَتْ بِهِۦ بَنُوٓا۟ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ
— يونس الآية 90
Hamza ibn Habib Al-Zayyat (d. 156 AH):
Imam of Kufa in recitation — renowned for extended madd, sakta, and tashil of hamzas. Among the most precise of the Ten readers.
Hamza's extended madd:
A reader by Hamza's narration may choose either option for madd munfasil (4 or 6) — but may not mix them within a single reading session (rule: "whoever narrates one way must commit to it").
Warning for students:
Exceeding 6 counts is impermissible in any narration — Ibn Al-Jazari: "Exceeding the established madd is blameworthy exaggeration and forbidden affectation."
Imam of Kufa in recitation — renowned for extended madd, sakta, and tashil of hamzas. Among the most precise of the Ten readers.
Hamza's extended madd:
- Madd muttasil: Hamza extends it 6 counts obligatorily — transmitted directly from the imam.
- Madd munfasil: Extended 4-5 counts — narration of Khalaf: 5; narration of Khallad: 4.
- Madd al-layn at pause: Hamza extends "khawf" and "bayt" at pause up to 6 counts — specific to him and Hisham.
A reader by Hamza's narration may choose either option for madd munfasil (4 or 6) — but may not mix them within a single reading session (rule: "whoever narrates one way must commit to it").
Warning for students:
Exceeding 6 counts is impermissible in any narration — Ibn Al-Jazari: "Exceeding the established madd is blameworthy exaggeration and forbidden affectation."
Source: Al-Nashr (1/316-338); Al-Itihaf (p.95-100); Al-Taysir (p.32); Ibn Al-Jazari, Ghayat Al-Nihaya (1/261)
Test Yourself
What is Hamza's madd measure for madd muttasil? And what are the options for madd munfasil?
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