The proper pausing (waqf) and starting (ibtida) while reciting is essential for a reader of Glorious Qur’aan. With an improper pause or start at a word or verse, the meaning of a sentence could be distorted. There are established methods for pausing and starting while reciting the Holy Qur’aan. A pause may occur due to one of the following reasons:
(1) pause because of shortage of breath
(2) Recommended pause
(3) Mandatory pause.
The rules for Waqf (pause) and Ibtida (start) are many but the following are essential for the beginner.

How to Pause (Waqf)
Rule 1. As a general rule, if a pause is made at any word for any reason whatsoever, in most case the last letter of a word must be pronounced saakin ْ Exception: Fathatain ً and letter Ta (Marbuta) ﺔ these exceptions will be explained in next lessons