The Quranic recitation or Qirat has a rich history, with many styles of recitation being practiced across the Muslim world and this difference is a projection of the variations in Arabic dialects. This article is a guide on how to learn Qirat of the Quran as it explores the different Qirats of the Quran, their significance, and provides some tips on how to learn them properly. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we hope this article will help you on your journey to mastering the beautiful recitation of the Quran.
What is Qirat of Quran?
“Qirat” is the plural form of the noun “Qira’ah”. The root word for “Qirat” in Arabic is the verb قرأ which means “to read”. In the context of the Quranic recitation, it refers to the different ways or styles of reciting the Quran.
In that regard, Arabic shares some similarities with English. Consider the difference in spelling between the words Neighbor/neighbor and the difference in pronouncing the word “Neither” with a long /i/ sound or a long /ai/ sound. These variations in spelling, pronunciation, and grammatical structures were also present in Arabic at the time when the Quran was revealed.
Tips to Learn Qirat of Quran
- Start with the basics
- Learn the Arabic Alphabet
- Understand Tajweed Rules
- Listen to recitations of renowned Qaris
- Record yourself and identify areas for improvement
- Memorize Short Surahs
- Participate in Qirat Competitions
- Develop a Connection with the Quran
- Practice Regularly
- Enroll in online qirat course.
How Many types of Quran Qirat
The recitation of Quran was passed down from the Prophet PBUH to his honorable companions and they, in turn, passed it on to the generation who followed them. Each generation followed the example of those who were consistent with their dialect.
Thus, there are seven Qirat that are based on the recitation of seven prominent Quranic scholars who were known for their mastery of the Quranic text and the rules of Tajweed.
The seven Qirat or in Arabic القراءات السبع correspond with a hadith of Prophet Muhammad in which he stated: “This Quran has been revealed to be recited in seven different ways, so recite it whichever is easier for you (or read as much of it as may be easy for you)” “Bukhari”. These seven Qirat are categorized as Mutawatir as their chain of transmission is quite extensive.
7 Types of Quran Recitation
The seven Qirat of Quran match up with the different tongues of Arabs whether from Makkah, Madinah, Basrah etc. These seven are as follows:
1. The recitation of Naafi’ Al-Madani:
This Qira’ah master taught his way of recitation in Madinah for more than seventy years. The Two Qari’s who preserved his recitation were Qaloon and Warsh.
2. The recitation of Ibn Katheer Al-Makki:
Ibn Katheer Al-Makki was one of the most renowned Qari’s in Makkah and he took his way of recitation from great companions of the Prophet PBUH such as Anas Ibn Malik. His Qira’ah was preserved by Al-Buzzi and Qunbul.
3. The recitation of Abu Amr Al-Basri:
Abu Amr had several masters whom he followed in his recitation of Quran. Those masters were from different parts of the Arab Peninsula such as Al-Hijaz, Kufah and Basrah. The two Rowah رواة of his recitation were Ad-Doori and As-Soosi.
4. The recitation of Ibn Aamir Ash-Shami:
Ibn Aamir Ash-Shami was a renowned reciter of the Quran and is considered one of the seven canonical Qaris. His recitation was recounted and preserved by Ibn Dhakwan and Hisham and is still studied and admired by Muslims around the world today.
5. The recitation of Asim Al-Kufi
The recitation of Asim Al-Kufi is characterized by precision and meticulousness. Asim Al-Kufi’s recitation was preserved by a number of prominent Qaris, including Hafs and Shu’bah. Today, Asim Al-Kufi’s recitation is one of the most widespread recitations around the world.
6. The recitation of Hamzah Al-Kufi:
The Qirat of Hamzah Al-Kufi was recounted and preserved by two Rowah; Khallad and Khalaf.
7. The recitation of Al-Kisaa’i
Al-Kisaa’i was one of the most prominent reciters of Quran in Kufa and his way of recitation was recounted by Al-Layth and Ad-Doori.
Anyone who can recite Quran with these 7 qirats can become a qari of quran.
Examples of the Variations in Qira’at
Now that we have covered the matter of how many types of Qirat are in the Quran, we will provide some examples that show the variations in the recitation of Quran. These changes could include using a different form of the noun i.e. plural instead of singular, a different grammatical structure and many others. We’ll look at three examples:
1.(أَءِذَا كُنَّا عِظَامَاً نَخِرَة)
According to the recitation of Hafs, it is (نَخِرَة) while Shu’bah pronounces it as (نَاخِرَة)
2.(الذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالغَيْبِ)
A characteristic of the recitation of Warsh is the change of the Hamzah Saakinah with a Madd letter. Thus, the word (يؤمنون) in other recitations is pronounced as (يومنون) according to the recitation of Warsh.
3. (مِن بَعْدِي اسْمُهُ أَحْمَد)
The Sukoon that is found at the end of the word (بعدي) is changed into a Fatha in the recitation of Qaloon (بعدي).
Why Qirat Exist?
There are several reasons why Qirat of Quran exists. Here are a few points to consider:
- To ensure that the recitation of Quran was accessible to all Muslims from different parts of the Arab Peninsula who had different dialects, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) allowed for different Qirats to accommodate these regional variations.
- The variations presented through the different Qirat Quran Karim offer different shades or dimensions of meaning that complement, not contradict, each other. They serve to reinforce our understanding of the verses of Quran and help us gain an appreciation of the Quranic text.
- The Qirat of Quran is considered yet another proof of the miraculous nature of the Quran that was transmitted from one generation to the next while safeguarding it against any errors or changes. Also, it helps to improve flunecy in quran recitation.
Why learning the Quran is important in Islam?
Muslims seek ways to show them how to learn Quran Qirat largely owing to the significance of Quran itself since it is considered the most important religious text in Islam. The verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH through the Angel Jibreel and it forms the ultimate source of guidance for all aspects of life.
Learning the recitation of Quran is of great importance for us because reading and understanding the Quran helps us to develop a deep and meaningful relationship with Allah and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Important FAQs
Q1. Is learning the Qirat of Quran the same as learning Tajweed?
While Tajweed and Qirat are two important aspects of Quranic recitation, they are two different things.
Tajweed refers to the set of rules that govern the proper articulation of the Arabic letters and words in the Quran. It focuses on the technical aspects of recitation and aims to ensure that the Quran is recited accurately and with proper intonation.
On the other hand, Qirat refers to the different styles and methods of reciting the Quran that have been passed down through the generations. Both Tajweed and Qirat are essential for a deep understanding and appreciation of the Quran.
Q2. Can we add variations from the contemporary Arab dialects to the pre-existing Qirat of Quran?
Definitely, no! The Qirat of Quran were transmitted from the Prophet PBUH and his companions to the many generations that follow them and those variations as we stated earlier do not contradict or change the meaning of the verses. However, some of the present dialects would lead to an alteration or misinterpretation of the meaning.
Q3. Is it possible to pick and choose which Qirat to learn?
Yes, it is possible to choose which of the Mutawatir Qirats that you wish to learn as they exist for the very reason of making the Quranic recitation easier and more accessible to people from different parts of the world.
Q4. Can I learn all types of Qirat?
Yes, it is possible to learn all 7 Qirat of the Quran.
However, it is important to note that it requires a significant amount of time and dedication to master each of the different Qirat. It is recommended to start with the basics and gradually work your way up to the more complex styles.
One way to do this is by taking a course on Quranic Qirat, such as the one offered by Almuhammadi Academy. Remember, learning the Quranic Qirat is a lifelong journey, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.
Q5. How can I learn Qirat online?
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Quran by gaining the knowledge of how to recite Quran melodiously and how to learn Quran with Qirat, then Almuhammadi Academy has the perfect course for you, a course that matches your recitation skills and level of knowledge.
Our Qirat classes are designed to help Muslims of all levels of knowledge and experience to learn about the different Qirat and how they have been passed down through the generations. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the various styles and methods of Quranic recitation. Sign up today and join our global community of learners who are discovering the beauty of the Quranic Qirat!
