Decoding the Symbols of the Quran: A Beginner’s Guide

Symbols of Quran guide you to read correctly and accurately. It shows you when it is permissible to stop when to pause, how to pronounce a word, and more. It was narrated that Abu Bara’ said:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Make your voices beautiful when you recite Quran.” [Sahih (Darussalam), Sunan an-Nasa’i 1015]

In this article, we will explore various Quranic symbols, their meanings, and how they enhance the recitation and understanding of the Quran. Let’s dive in!

A Guide to Quranic Symbols and Their Meanings

Learning the Symbols of Quran will help you improve your recitation and adhere to the rules of Tajweed. Here are some of the most common symbols found in the Quran:  

1. ‘ صلى ‘:

One of the most common Symbols of Quran is the symbol “صلي”. This symbol indicates that it is preferable to continue reciting, though pausing is permissible if necessary

خَتَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ سَمْعِهِمْ ۖ وَعَلَىٰٓ أَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ غِشَـٰوَةٌۭ ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌۭ ٧

“Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and their sight is covered. They will suffer a tremendous punishment.” [Surah Al Baqarah]

 2. ‘لا’

Another symbol of the Symbols of Quran is the “لا” sign. This symbol instructs you to continue reading without pausing, as stopping may alter the meaning of the verse.

وَمَا جَعَلْنَآ أَصْحَـٰبَ ٱلنَّارِ إِلَّا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةًۭ ۙ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا عِدَّتَهُمْ إِلَّا فِتْنَةًۭ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِيَسْتَيْقِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَيَزْدَادَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِيمَـٰنًۭا ۙ وَلَا يَرْتَابَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۙ وَلِيَقُولَ ٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌۭ وَٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ مَاذَآ أَرَادَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَـٰذَا مَثَلًۭا ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُضِلُّ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ جُنُودَ رَبِّكَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ وَمَا هِىَ إِلَّا ذِكْرَىٰ لِلْبَشَرِ ٣١

 3. Prolongation symbol‘~’

One of the Symbols of Quran is the ‘~’ sign. This symbol indicates the need to elongate the sound of a letter, maintaining proper Tajweed rules.

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ ءَامِنُوا۟ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ ٱلنَّاسُ قَالُوٓا۟ أَنُؤْمِنُ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَعْلَمُونَ ١٣

And when they are told, “Believe as others believe,” they reply, “Will we believe as the fools believe?” Indeed, it is they who are fools, but they do not know. 

4. Ithhar ح

Among the Symbols of Quran is the head of the letter ح. This sign symbolizes the Ithhar rule of Tajweed. Meaning that when you find this sign you should pronounce the letter clearly.

أَلَآ إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْسِدُونَ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَشْعُرُونَ ١٢

Indeed, it is they who are the corruptors, but they fail to perceive it.

5. Tanweenً

Another Quran symbol is the Tanween “ ً  ٍ  ٌ   ”. When you find this sign it means that there is an ‘n’ sound.

 مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِى ٱسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًۭا فَلَمَّآ أَضَآءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُۥ ذَهَبَ ٱللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتٍۢ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ ١٧

Their example is that of someone who kindles a fire, but when it lights up all around them, Allah takes away their light, leaving them in complete darkness—unable to see.

6. قلي

One of the common Symbols of Quran is the sign “قلي”. When you find this sign you should stop your recitation, but it is okay to keep reciting.

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ ءَامِنُوا۟ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ ٱلنَّاسُ قَالُوٓا۟ أَنُؤْمِنُ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَعْلَمُونَ ١٣

“And when they are told, “Believe as others believe,” they reply, “Will we believe as the fools believe?” Indeed, it is they who are fools, but they do not know.”

 7. Mandatory pause “م”  

Another symbol of the Symbols of Quran is the sign م “meem”. When you find this sign you should pause.

إِنَّمَا يَسْتَجِيبُ الَّذِينَ يَسْمَعُونَ ۘ وَالْمَوْتَىٰ يَبْعَثُهُمُ اللَّـهُ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ

“Only those who hear will respond. But the dead – Allah will resurrect them; then to Him they will be returned.” Sūrah Al-Anʿām, 6:36

 8. Permissible to connect or pause ‘ج’

Another symbol of Quran is the sign ج ‘jeem’. This sign means that it is permissible to pause or continue reading.

 أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فِيهِ ظُلُمَـٰتٌۭ وَرَعْدٌۭ وَبَرْقٌۭ يَجْعَلُونَ أَصَـٰبِعَهُمْ فِىٓ ءَاذَانِهِم مِّنَ ٱلصَّوَٰعِقِ حَذَرَ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ مُحِيطٌۢ بِٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ ١٩

Or ˹those caught in˺ a rainstorm from the sky with darkness, thunder, and lightning. They press their fingers into their ears at the sound of every thunder-clap for fear of death. And Allah encompasses the disbelievers ˹by His might˺.

9. It is not permissible to pause at either location

One of the symbols of Quran is three dots followed by another three dots. When you find this sign it means that it isn’t permissible to stop at any of those two locations.

ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًۭى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ٢

This is the Book! There is no doubt about it—a guide for those mindful ˹of Allah˺,

 You can practice using these symbols by reading one of the short surahs like Surah Al-Fil or Surah Al-Kafirun. This way you will digest the Quranic symbols and be rewarded for reciting Quran.

10. Sajdah  ۩

Another common symbol of the symbols of Quran is Sajdah. This symbol signifies a place of prostration (Sajdah Tilawah), requiring the reciter to perform a sajdah as an act of worship.

وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ طَوْعًۭا وَكَرْهًۭا وَظِلَـٰلُهُم بِٱلْغُدُوِّ وَٱلْـَٔاصَالِ ۩ ١٥

To Allah ˹alone˺ bow down ˹in submission˺ all those in the heavens and the earth—willingly or unwillingly—as do their shadows, morning and evening.

 

What Are the Special Symbols Found in the Quran?

Here is a table that shows you the most common symbols of Quran and their meaning:

Symbol	Transliteration	Meaning
۩	Sajda	This sign shows you when to perform a sajdah, it is called Prostration (sujud).
مـ	Waqf Lazim	This mark means that you must stop your recitation so that the meaning of the verse doesn’t change.
ۖ	Salli	This sign means that it is better to keep reading, but it is permissible to pause.
قلی	Qalli	This sign means that pausing is better, but it is permissible to keep reading.

 

The Role of Symbols in Understanding Quranic Recitation

Symbols in Quran guide you to the correct recitation. The symbols show you when to pause when to keep reading, and how to pronounce the letters and words. They are tools to help you improve your recitation and guide you. Additionally, they help you understand the meaning of the verses and reflect on them.

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Conclusion

The symbols of Quran are essential tools to ensure accurate and beautiful recitation. By understanding these symbols, reciters can follow the rules of Tajweed, deepen their comprehension, and strengthen their spiritual connection to the divine message.

They guide the reciter in proper pronunciation, pauses, and rhythm, ensuring that the Quran is conveyed accurately and beautifully. Symbols also play a crucial role in enhancing comprehension, aiding memorization, and fostering a deeper connection with the divine message.

Don’t hesitate to contact the qualified professionals at Ulum Al-Azhar for assistance in learning more about the Quran and Tajweed. Book a free Consultation session and start learning! 

FAQs

What does ۞ mean in the Quran?

This sign ۞ refers to the number of Hizb in the holy Quran.

What is the symbol of Ayat?

The symbol of Ayat is as follows: (۝)

How Many Sajdah are in Quran?

There are 15 Sajdah in the Quran and when you find you should perform a Sujud and recite the following dua:

سَجَدَ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي خَلَقَهُ، وَشَقَّ سَمْعَهُ وَبَصَرَهُ، بِحَوْلِهِ وَقُوَّتِهِ، فَتَبَارَكَ اللهُ أَحسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ

Sajada wajhihi lillahi khalaqahu, wa shaqqa sam’ahu wa basarahu bihawlihi wa quwwatihi. Fatihatahu ‘ahsanul-khaliqeen.

I have prostrated my face to the One Who created it and gave it hearing and sight by His might and His power. Glory is to Allah, the Best of creators.