Mastering Tajweed: Understanding the Stops at إِلَّا and وَلَكِن

In the intricate science of Tajweed, certain verses hold particular recitation rules that magnify the eloquence of the Qur’an. Notably, when a verse commences with إِلَّا or وَلَكِن, two Sunnah practices come into play, deeply interwoven with the preceding verse:

 

1. As-Sunnah Fawaseel: This emphasizes the importance of honoring the conclusion of the verse. It’s not just about halting at the end; it’s about giving it its due reverence, ensuring that the pause complements the rhythm and cadence of the recitation.

2. As-Sunnah Ta’abadiyyah: Beyond the phonetics, this principle underscores the significance of respecting the essence and meaning of the verse. When reciting, one must internalize and reflect upon the profound wisdom embedded in the words, allowing the message to resonate and inspire.

 

Together, these Sunnah practices guide the reciter, ensuring that the divine words of the Qur’an are delivered with both precision and profound respect.

 

  Example:  

 

وَلَا تَقُولَنَّ لِشَيْءٍ إِنِّي فَاعِلٌ ذَٰلِكَ غَدًا ﴿٢٣﴾ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ الله

 

 

23. Et ne dis jamais, à propos d’une chose: «Je la ferai sûrement demain», 24. sans ajouter: «Si Allah le veut»(18:23-24)

 

 

 

وَمَا كُنتَ بِجَانِبِ الْغَرْبِيِّ إِذْ قَضَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَى الْأَمْرَ وَمَا كُنتَ مِنَ الشَّاهِدِينَ ﴿٤٤﴾ وَلَـٰكِنَّا أَنشَأْنَا قُرُونًا فَتَطَاوَلَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْعُمُرُ

 

 

44. Tu n’étais pas sur le versant ouest (du Sinaï), quand Nous avons décrété les commandements à Moïse; tu n’étais pas parmi les témoins. 45. Mais Nous avons fait naître des générations dont l’âge s’est prolongé. (28:44-45)

 

 

In the realm of Tajweed, precision in recitation is paramount. Particularly when encountering verses that begin with إِلَّا or وَلَكِن, there’s a specific technical sequence to follow, enhancing both the beauty and understanding of the Qur’anic verses.

 

To elucidate, when faced with a verse starting with إِلَّا or وَلَكِن, the protocol is twofold:

 

1. Initial Recitation: Begin by reciting the verse immediately preceding the one that starts with إِلَّا or وَلَكِن.

2. Reiterated Recitation: After completing the initial recitation, circle back to revisit the previous verse once again. This repetition serves to lay a solid foundation upon which the subsequent verse (beginning with إِلَّا or وَلَكِن) can seamlessly follow, ensuring both flow and comprehension.

 

 

To better understand this process, let’s illustrate using the verses from Sura Al-Asr:

 

وَالْعَصْرِ 

إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

 إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ 

 

 

Pertaining to verses 2 and 3, the correct recitation should be:

 

stopوَالْعَصْرِ 

stop إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ  إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا stop بِالصَّبْ