In the following descriptions of some of the most popular metric modes (iqâ'ât), "dum" denotes a low, resonant tone and "tak" denotes a high, crisp tone.

Wahdah

Wahid means "one" in Arabic and Wahdah has a single 'dum' at the beginning. The Wahdah is primarily just an initial accent with varying fills, and can exist in various lengths. eg.:
( 1 ---- | ---- | ---- | ---- 1---- | ---- | ---- | ---- )
dum                         dum

Masmûdi

Masmûdi consists of two main variants. One is 4 beats long and has a lively character (Masmûdi Saghîr, which means small Masmûdi.) It is fairly common in dance music. The other variant is 8 beats long with a slow, more solemn character (Masmûdi Kabîr which means big Masmûdi.) The following is an example of the Masmûdi Kabîr:

( 1 ---- 2 ---- | ---- 4 ---- 5 ---- | ---- 7 ---- | ----)
dum   dum          tak   dum           tak

Samâ'i Thaqîl

Samâ'i Thaqîl means "heavy Samâ'i" and is commonly heard in both Ottoman and Arab classical musics. It consists of a 10 beat pattern usually transcribed as 10/8.
(1 ---- | ---- | ---- 4 ---- | ---- 6 ---- 7 ---- 8 ---- | ---- | ----)
dum                  tak           dum  dum   tak

Maqsûm

Maqsûm is one of the most prevelant Arab rhythmic modes, typical of dance music. It consists of a 4 beat pattern usually transcribed as 4/4. A simple version is:

( 1 ---- | ---- 2 ---- | ---- 3 ---- | ---- 4 ---- | ---- )
dum   tak           tak   dum           tak

Malfûf

Malfûf is a fast rhythmic pattern, typical of popular and folk music. It is usually transcribed as 2/4 or 4/4 and may accompany lively dancing.

( 1 ---- | ---- 2 ---- | ---- 3 ---- | ---- 4 ---- | ---- )
dum                    tak                    tak