Al isti’adha and al basmala | Tajweed rules

1. Delving into Al Isti'adha: Its Significance and Usage

Allah instructs us that before we embark on reciting His Sacred Book, we should seek His refuge against the accursed Satan, ensuring that we are under His divine guidance and protection. As expressed in His esteemed Book:

فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّـهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

So when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy]. (16:98)

This verse emphasizes the significance of seeking Allah’s refuge when delving into the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. To invoke this protection from the accursed Satan, one uses the following formula:

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّـهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

"I seek refuge with Allah against Satan the accursed"

Scholars universally agree upon the importance of this formulation when one initiates the recitation of the Qur’an. Most experts in qiraa deem it as ‘mustahabb’ (recommended), though some regard it as obligatory. One can pause after reciting al isti’adha or continue seamlessly into the next part — either the basmala or another verse. Both methods are valid, but connecting al isti’adha with the subsequent verse is preferable.

Based on the context, al isti’adha may be recited audibly or quietly. Reciting it audibly is recommended in two cases:

1. When the recitation is meant to be heard by others.
2. In a study group, if the reader is the first to start; others may omit it, as the first covers them.

A. Reciting al isti’adha quietly is recommended in the following four scenarios:

1. During prayers, whether audible or silent.
2. When reading the Qur’an quietly in public places.
3. In a group reading, when not the first reader.
4. During private recitation.

If one begins recitation mid-sura, it is appropriate to start with al isti’adha, but not to directly attach it to a verse in a way that distorts meaning. Example: In Sura Al-Baqara 2:255, one should not link الرَّحِيمِ with اللَّهُ. Imam Ash-Shâtibi recommended reciting al-basmala after al isti’adha for clarity.

2. Understanding Al-Basmala (البَسْمَلَة): Its Significance and Usage

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

It is unanimously agreed that it constitutes a verse in Surah An-Naml (27:30):

إِنَّهُ مِن سُلَيْمَانَ وَإِنَّهُ بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: "In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful."

Scholars differ on its status at the start of suras. The readers of Kufa and Mecca and Imam Ash-Shafi’i consider it a distinct verse in every sura. Others, such as those from Medina and Basra with Imam Malik, view it as a divider, not a verse. Yet all agree there is no basmala between Surah Al-Anfal and At-Tawbah.

Variations in Reading the Basmala Between Two Suras: The Hafs Perspective

Complete Connection

Consecutively reading the end of one sura and the beginning of the next through the basmala without pause is valid.

Example: from Sura Al-Falaq (verse 5) to Sura An-Nas (verse 1).

Complete Separation

In this case, one pauses after both al isti’adha and the basmala before starting the sura. This is the most common method.

Example illustrating this practice:

Pausing After the Final Verse Before Continuing

Here, the reciter concludes one sura, pauses, and then begins the next with the basmala seamlessly.

Example:

The Prohibition of Linking the Final Verse with the Basmala Followed by a Pause

It is not permissible to connect the final verse of a sura with the basmala and then pause before starting the next sura, as the basmala marks the beginning of a sura, not its end.

Example:

• The basmala is recommended at the start of every sura except At-Tawbah.
• When reading from the middle of a sura, reciting the basmala is optional.
• If linking the basmala to a mid-sura verse, ensure the meaning remains clear, as with al isti’adha.

Closing Remarks

Our lesson on tajweed rules has come to a conclusion. Insha’Allah, the next session will cover the ghunna of the letters Noon and Meem.

At Al-dirassa Institute, we offer structured tajweed courses with qualified Egyptian teachers. For more information, please contact us.