When we listen to the Holy Quran, we are often captivated by the profound beauty of its recitation. But have you ever noticed that there can be slight, beautiful variations in how it is recited by different people from around the world?
These are not mistakes or different versions of the Quran; they are the Qirat of Quran, the various authentic and divinely-taught methods of recitation.
Let’s explore this fascinating topic together. Understanding what is Qirat deepens our appreciation for the Quran’s miraculous nature and the mercy of Allah.
The Core Meaning: What is Qirat in Arabic and Islam?
First, let’s understand the term itself. The word Qirat in Arabic (قراءة) literally means “a reading” or “a recitation.” It comes from the same root word as “Quran” (القرآن), which means “The Recitation.”
In the context of Islamic sciences, the Qirat definition Islam gives us is much more specific.
A Qirat is a complete school or method of Quranic recitation, with its own distinct rules for pronunciation, intonation, and even slight variations in letters or words, all traced back through an unbroken chain of reliable narrators to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Why Are There Different Qirat? The Divine Wisdom Behind Variety
A common question is: if the Quran is one book, why are there different ways to read it? The answer lies in the wisdom and mercy of Allah during the time of revelation.
The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the dialect of his tribe, the Quraysh. However, the Arabian Peninsula was home to many tribes, each with its own distinct dialect.
To make the Quran easy for everyone to recite and understand, the Prophet (ﷺ) was granted permission by Allah to teach it in seven different “modes” or “letters” (known as the Sab’a Ahruf).
These modes accommodated the various tribal dialects, ensuring that the divine message was accessible to all Arabs without difficulty. This divine flexibility is the foundation for the different Qirat we have today.
Read also about: How Long Does It Take To Memorize The Quran?
Understanding the 7 Types of Reading Quran (The Famous Mutawatir Qirat)
So, how many types of Qirat are there? While the revelation encompassed seven modes (Ahruf), what has been preserved and passed down to us through an unbroken, mass-transmitted chain (mutawatir) are ten authentic Qirat. Among these, seven are the most famous and widely recognized.
It’s important to clarify: the 7 types of reading Quran are not seven different Qurans. They are seven valid, authentic, and divinely-approved methods of reciting the exact same Holy Quran.
The differences are subtle and do not change the core meaning of the verses.
What are the 7 Qirat of Quran? Meet the Master Reciters
Each of the seven main Qirat is named after a master reciter (a Qari) who was renowned for his knowledge and precision in transmitting the Quran. Each of these masters also had famous students (Rawis) who narrated the recitation from them.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what are the 7 Qirat of Quran:
Imam Nafi’ al-Madani (from Madinah)
- Famous Narrators: Qalun and Warsh.
- Note: The Warsh recitation is very common in North and West Africa.
Imam Ibn Kathir al-Makki (from Makkah)
- Famous Narrators: Al-Bazzi and Qunbul.
Imam Abu Amr al-Basri (from Basra)
- Famous Narrators: Ad-Duri and As-Susi.
Imam Ibn Amir ad-Dimashqi (from Damascus)
- Famous Narrators: Hisham and Ibn Dhakwan.
Imam Asim al-Kufi (from Kufah)
- Famous Narrators: Shu’bah and Hafs.
- Note: The Hafs recitation from Asim is the most common and widespread in the world, used by over 90% of Muslims.
Imam Hamzah al-Kufi (from Kufah)
- Famous Narrators: Khalaf and Khallad.
Imam Al-Kisa’i al-Kufi (from Kufah)
- Famous Narrators: Abul-Harith and Ad-Duri.
Beyond the Seven: The Ten Qirat (Saba Ashra)
For those who dive deeper into Quranic studies, you will often hear about the “Ten Qirat.”
These include the seven mentioned above plus three more that also meet the strict criteria for authenticity.
These three supplementary reciters are:
- Imam Abu Ja’far al-Madani
- Imam Ya’qub al-Hadrami
- Imam Khalaf al-Bazzar
Studying all ten methods is a specialized field of knowledge. Many dedicated students enroll in a saba ashra qirat course to master these beautiful recitations.
Difference Between Tilawat and Qirat: A Simple Explanation
People often confuse these two terms. The difference between tilawat and qirat is simple but important:
- Qirat: This is the method or school of recitation. It’s the “how-to” guide with its specific rules that you learn from a qualified teacher.
- Tilawat: This is the act of reciting the Quran. When you sit down to read the Quran aloud, you are performing Tilawat.
How Are Qirat Preserved and Learned?
The authenticity of every Qirat rests on its Isnad, or chain of transmission. Each Qirat has an unbroken chain of teachers leading back from the student to the Master Reciter (like Imam Asim), all the way to the Companions of the Prophet, and finally to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself, who learned it from the Angel Jibril.
Because of this, one cannot learn a Qirat from a book alone. It must be learned directly from the mouth of a qualified teacher who holds a certified Ijazah (permission to teach) in that specific Qirat. This ensures the divine tradition is preserved without error.
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Eilaf Institute: Nurturing the Art of Quranic Recitation
At Eilaf Institute, we recognize the beauty and significance of Qirat in Islam, Our platform cares about nurturing your understanding of Quranic recitation and establishing Qirat meaning in Quran in your Quranic recitation, ensuring that you feel the glory of Quranic verses where the artistry of Qirat becomes a harmonious connection with the divine.
You can join Eilaf Institute and sail into a Melodious Journey into Quranic Recitation, book your free session with one of our tutors by filling out this form and learning about Qirat meaning in Quran, and the practical difference between each method.
As you explore Qirat meaning in Quran, may your journey with Eilaf Institute be a source of inspiration, deepening your connection with the Quran.