As Muslims, we are obligated to read the Quran and understand its meaning. However, it can be challenging to grasp the essence of the Quran without a proper understanding of its language and the various recitation styles that exist. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Qira’at and the 7 Ahruf, which are two essential aspects of the Quran that every Muslim should know about.
What is Qira’at?
Qira’at refers to the various recitation styles of the Quran. The Quran was initially revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Arabic language. The Arabic language has a unique system of pronunciation and grammar, and it is not easy for non-native speakers to read and recite the Quran correctly.
Over time, Muslim scholars developed different recitation styles, each with its unique set of rules and principles. These styles, known as Qira’at, serve as a means of preserving the Quran’s original pronunciation and accent. It also adds to the beauty of the Quranic recitation.
There are seven types of Qirat that fall under the Mutawatir category, which refers to a transmission of the Quran with independent chains of authorities. This means that the transmission is so extensive that it eliminates the possibility of any mistake, and there is common consent on it. These Qirat were selected by Abu Bakr ibn Mujahid, a celebrated Quranic scholar in the field of Qirat.
1. The first type is Qirat Naafi’ Al-Madani, which is mostly recited by Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Qaloon and Warsh are the two Qaris who have preserved this recitation.
2. The second type is Qirat Ibn Katheer Al-Makki, which was recited by Qunbul, Al-Buzzi, and Imam Shafi. Al-Buzzi and Qunbul are the two Qaris who have preserved this recitation.
3. The third type is Qirat Abu Amr al-Basri, which was preserved by Ad-Doori and As-Soosi.
4. The fourth type is Qirat Ibn Aamir ash-Shami, which was recited and preserved by Ibn Dhakwan and Hisham.
5. The fifth type is Qirat Asim Al-Kufi, which was often recited by Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. The two Qaris who have preserved this recitation are Hafs and Shuba.
6. The sixth type is Qirat Hamzah al-Kufi, which was preserved by Khallad and Khalaf. Khalaf also has his own Qirat, which is known as Qirat Khalaf al-Bazzar.
7. The seventh type is Qirat Al-Kisaa’i, which was preserved by Al-Layth and Ad-Doori.
What are the 7 Ahruf?
The 7 Ahruf are the seven dialects of the Arabic language that were prevalent during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The revelation of the Quran was in the Quraishi dialect, which was the dialect spoken by the people of Mecca, the Prophet’s birthplace.
However, as Islam began to spread, the Quran was recited in different dialects, which led to confusion among the new converts. To address this issue, the Prophet (peace be upon him) requested Allah to allow him and his followers to recite the Quran in different dialects.
As a result, Allah revealed the Quran in seven different Ahruf, each with its unique set of rules and principles. These Ahruf were not different versions of the Quran but were different ways of reciting the same text.
However, the revelation of the Quran in different Ahruf led to some confusion among Muslims, particularly those who were not familiar with the Arabic language. There were variations in the pronunciation of some words and the placement of vowels, which led to different interpretations of the Quranic text. To address this issue, Muslim scholars developed a set of rules for the Quranic recitation, which became known as Qira’at.
Read also: Azkar al Sabah wal Masaa And Its Virtues
Difference Between Qira’t And Ahruf
Now that we understand what Qira’at and the 7 Ahruf are let us discuss the difference between the two. Qira’at is a set of rules that govern how the Quran is recited. On the other hand, the 7 Ahruf refer to the various dialects in which the Quran was revealed. Therefore, while the 7 Ahruf deals with the variation in dialects, Qira’at deals with the variation in recitation style.
Each Qira’at has its unique set of rules and principles, and they differ in pronunciation, grammar, and intonation. These variations make the Quranic recitation more beautiful and melodic. The 7 Ahruf, on the other hand, differ in the pronunciation of some words and the placement of vowels. However, the meaning of the text remains the same in all the Ahruf.
The best resources for learning Qira’at
The best resource for learning Qira’at is to look for a sheik who is well-acclaimed in the Qira’at. The Arabian tongue provides a beautiful opportunity for you to learn the readings through sheiks who have a wide knowledge of the Qira’at, and have a high degree of experience and competence. You can practically verify this yourself through the free trial offered to you by the Arabian tongue. Fortunately, you can conduct a large number of free trials, start now.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Qira’at and the 7 Ahruf are essential aspects of the Quran that every Muslim should be aware of. Qira’at is the set of rules and principles that govern the Quranic recitation, while the 7 Ahruf is the seven different dialects in which the Quran was revealed. While the 7 Ahruf deal with the variation in dialects, Qira’at deals with the variation in recitation style.
As Muslims, we should strive to read and recite the Quran correctly, with the right pronunciation and intonation. The various Qira’at styles and Ahruf provide us with different ways of reciting the same text, making the Quranic recitation even more beautiful and melodic.
FAQs
How many Qira'at are there in Quran?
There are ten Qira'at of the holy Quran. Some scholars distinguished between the seven readings and the ten. they considered that the seven readings are frequent readings only. but this contradicts the saying of the majority of scholars, who appended to the seven readings three readings that Ibn Al-Jazari proved to be frequent. The scholars agreed with him on that, and the three readings are attributed to imam Yazid Al-Madani, Yaqoub Al-Hadrami, and Khalaf Al-Baghdadi.
How can I learn Quran with Qira'at?
you can learn the Quran with Qira'at Through Arabian tongue courses for learning the qirat of the Holy Quran.