What is the ruling on pausing on the words: "أهواءكم" (your whims) in Surat Al-An'am, "فاختلط" (it mingled) in Surat Yunus, "وحجرا" (and a forbidden barrier) in Surat Al-Furqan, and "تستعجل" (you seek to hasten) in Surat Al-Ahqaf, knowing that these words are paused upon in the narration of Warsh from Nafi'?

It is permissible to pause at words in the Quran as long as it does not imply a meaning contrary to the intended one. Scholars have favored certain pauses for specific considerations. The pauses in question were chosen by Imam Muhammad ibn Abi Juma'a al-Habati, and his system of pausing is followed by the Maghrebis. He took into account the ends of verses and, in longer verses, the words where the meaning and grammar are complete. Some scholars have found his pauses problematic and criticized them.

Regarding the specific words inquired about: - In the verse of Al-An'am (The Cattle): There is no objection to pausing at "أهواءكم" (your whims) because it is not verbally connected to what follows it. - "فاختلط" (so it became mixed): It appears that one should not pause at it because its doer (subject) is the plant of the earth. Some scholars have allowed pausing at it by assuming a certain estimation, but not pausing is preferable. - "حِجْراً" (a forbidden barrier): Most scholars agree on not pausing at it. Some have permitted pausing based on "حجراً" being part of the criminals' speech. - "ولا تستعجل" (and do not hasten): Most scholars agree on not pausing at it due to "لهم" (for them) being connected to it. Some have permitted pausing by assuming that "لهم" is connected to "بلاغ" (a message) and that what is between them is an interjection.