Definition of Madd

Madd means:
Lengthening or extending the sound of a vowel letter due to a specific cause.

Madd Letters

There are three Madd letters:

Letter             Requirement  

Alif (ا)             Preceded by a fatḥah (  َ ). 

Wāw (و)         Preceded by a ḍammah (  ُ ).

Yā’ (ي)           Preceded by a kasrah (  ِ ).

Example:
فَٱقْرَءُوا۟ –  ٱلْقُرْءَانَ –  تَشَآءُونَ  –  جَآءُوكَ –  تَبَوَّءُو – جَآءُو 

Categories of Madd

Two primary types:

Type                                   Description 

Natural Madd (Basic)       Exists without any additional cause 

Secondary Madd              Exists only due to hamzah or sukoon