How many are the subtle pauses (saktat latifah) in the recitation of Hafs from Asim, and do they differ among the recitations?
Sakt is the cutting off of the sound for a period without taking a breath or stopping completely. For Hafs, there are four obligatory saktah (pauses) in the Holy Quran: on the alif in (عِوَجَا) in Surat Al-Kahf, on the alif in (مَرْقَدِنَا) in Surat Ya-Sin, on the nun in (مَنْ رَاقٍ) in Surat Al-Qiyamah, and on the lam in (بَلْ رَانَ) in Surat Al-Mutaffifin. The reason for the saktah in these four places is to avoid an unintended meaning. Imam Al-Shatibi referred to these four saktahs. There are also two permissible saktahs: between Surat Al-Anfal and Surat At-Tawbah, and on the ha’ in (مَالِيَهْ) in Surat Al-Haqqah. The saktah for Hafs is a matter of differing opinions depending on the different chains of narration ( طرق الرواية ); it has been narrated that he performed saktah and that he did not. The saktah for Hafs only occurs with Madd Al-Munfasil. The reciter learns the precise application of saktah practically from their teachers.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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