Between two sūrahs, the three parts are the ending of the earlier sūrah, basmalah, and the next sūrah's beginning. The rule differs from connecting istiʿādhah at a new start.
Allowed: separate all three; connect all three; or pause after the earlier sūrah and then join basmalah to the following sūrah.
Not allowed in this scheme: attach basmalah to the preceding sūrah but stop before the next sūrah, because this misplaces its association.
The key is to preserve the basmalah's relationship to the upcoming sūrah. The opening of Sūrat al-Tawbah is its own exception.
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Connecting two sūrahs
Comprehensive Revision — Applying Tajwīd Rules
Between two sūrahs, the three parts are the ending of the earlier sūrah, basmalah, and the next sūrah's beginning. The rule differs from connecting istiʿādhah at a new start.
Allowed: separate all three; connect all three; or pause after the earlier sūrah and then join basmalah to the following sūrah.
Not allowed in this scheme: attach basmalah to the preceding sūrah but stop before the next sūrah, because this misplaces its association.
The key is to preserve the basmalah's relationship to the upcoming sūrah. The opening of Sūrat al-Tawbah is its own exception.