Joining at verse-ends and pausing where there is no verse-end

Question

Is it permissible for the imam, when reciting the Noble Qur’an, to join (wasl) and separate (fasl) at his own discretion — that is, not to pause where the verses [end] and to pause where there are no verse-ends? This has become his habit, and if he is admonished, he says: “I know how to recite the Qur’an; you do not.” Is this permissible, and is it permissible to speak like this?

Answer

If he separates (fasl) because his breath runs out at an inappropriate place, that is an excuse; but he should not do so deliberately.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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