Question

I have begun studying the different types of Stops. While most of thing on a phrase that is complete in meaning and is not linked to what follows in grammar

em seem straightforward I feel a little panicky at not being able to distinguish between the Waqaf at Taam and the Waqaf al Kafee. Is there any difference in practical application of reading? When I finally do sort out which stop is which?

Answer

The waqaf taam is stopping on a phrase complete in grammar and in meaning. The waqaf kaafee is stopping on a phrase that is complete in meaning and it is linked with what comes next in meaning but not in grammar.  The rule for stopping on both the waqaf taam and the waqaf kaafee is the same.  It is best to stop on the word that completes the grammatical phrase and start on the word that follows it, after stopping and taking a breath.  You should not then feel at all panicky about not always being able to distinguish between them, since it is best to stop on both of them. 

The situation in which the difference between the two comes into play is when stopping recitation of the Qur’an, and putting it aside for a time period (it may be minutes or it may be hours).  We should only stop our recitation on a waqaf taam.  The ends of stories are all waqaf taam, as well as the ends of all the surah.