What is the recommended manner for reciting the Quran?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended to recite the Quran in a measured, articulate manner (tartil), pausing at the end of every verse (ayah). One must fully articulate the letters of elongation and softness (madd and leen), provided this articulation does not lead to excessive stretching or drawling (tamteet). This is based on the command of Allah the Almighty: "And recite the Quran in measured tones" (Quran 73:4). Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet's (PBUH) recitation was verse by verse, citing the opening lines of Al-Fatiha as an example. Anas reported that the Prophet's (PBUH) recitation involved prolonging 'Bismillah,' 'Ar-Rahman,' and 'Ar-Rahim,' as narrated by Imam Ahmad and Al-Bukhari, respectively.
Supporting text
If the recitation leads to excessive stretching or melody (tilheen) to the extent that vowels/diacritics might be transformed into distinct letters, then such recitation becomes disliked (makruh). Imam Ahmad favored recitation that is easy (sahla).