Is the Madd (prolongation) in Al-Fatihah, such as in the word "Ar-Rahman" or "Al-Maghdub," pronounced with three counts (one for the Fatha and two for the Alif) or with only two counts, with the Fatha on the Meem being pronounced normally? And is merely the natural pronunciation considered as producing the sound and fulfilling the Madd?

The natural or original Madd (lengthening) is that without which the letter's structure cannot be established, and it does not require a reason. Its length is two vowel counts by consensus; it is neither increased nor decreased. Thus, the natural Madd is not extended beyond two vowel counts in Surah Al-Fatihah or elsewhere. Its natural pronunciation is sufficient without affectation, and one should not count it or verify its measure to avoid falling into whispers (waswasah). The Madd here applies to the Madd letter (Alif), not to the Fatha of the Mīm.