From the eloquence of the Quran - stopping (waqf) and starting (ibtida')

Abstract

The concepts of waqf (stopping) and ibtida' (starting) are essential aspects in the science of Tajweed (Quranic recitation). They come after understanding the issues of articulation (makharij) and characteristics (sifat). Every person intending to recite the Quran should diligently fulfill these rights and obligations. They must approach them earnestly because understanding the words of Allah and grasping their meanings cannot be achieved without it.

Sometimes, a reciter may pause before fully comprehending the meaning, failing to connect what precedes with what follows, until reaching a suitable stopping point. At that moment, neither the reciter understands what they are saying nor does the listener interpret it correctly. Instead, they might derive a different meaning from this pause than the intended one. This leads to significant corruption and poses a serious danger, invalidating the recitation and undermining its description.

Therefore, scholars of earlier generations emphasized the necessity for reciters to understand waqf and ibtida' due to the profound impact reported from the companions and the successors (tabi'in), may Allah be pleased with them all.