Is it forbidden for common people to pause during Quranic recitation at places other than the designated signs in the Mus'hafs, and what should one do if they do not look at the Mus'haf and do not know these signs?

The science of Waqf and Ibtida' (pausing and resuming) is crucial for contemplating the Qur'an. Mastering it requires knowledge of various sciences such as grammar, recitations, exegesis, and language. Therefore, reciters may differ on the pausing points based on their understanding of the meanings. It is best for the common person to adhere to the pause marks in the Mushaf (copy of the Qur'an).

Adhering to specific pausing points is not obligatory, and violating them is not forbidden, unless the reciter deliberately pauses at points that corrupt the meaning and lead to an ugly sense; in that case, it is forbidden. There is no obligatory pause, the ترك (abandonment) of which would make the reciter sinful, nor is there a forbidden pause, the فعل (performance) of which would make them sinful, unless there is a reason that leads to its prohibition, such as intentionally pausing at "إله" (god), or "لا يستحيي" (He is not ashamed), or "لا يهدي" (He does not guide) in a way that corrupts the meaning. It is permissible to recite from memory and pause at any point that does not compromise or corrupt the meaning.