We all want to recite the Quran beautifully. Our hearts feel a different connection when we lose
ourselves in the recitation of the Quran by our favorite Qari. And it does motivate us to learn
different Qirats of the Quran. Now, we may wonder how to learn Quran Qirat, especially if we
are not native speakers.
Indeed, the definition and varieties of Qirat are subjects of great interest. And it is a well-known
fact that languages spoken all over the world have different etiquette and dialects within them
naturally. It is a blend of cultures that every language has its distinct features.
The Arabic language also has various dialectical variations brought on by changes in the
accents, tones, and geographic regions of the Arabs. And it is Arabic which is the language of
our Holy Quran.
Thus, the Quran can be recited in a variety of ways, each having its rhythm and
melody. These recitation techniques, called Qira’at, are based on how the Prophet Muhammad
(SWS) and his companions recited the Quran. It is a way to preserve the Quran in its original
style.
What Is Qirat in Islam
In Islam, the term “qirat” (plural of “qirah”) refers to the many ways of reciting the Holy Quran.
The Quran can be recited in a variety of styles pertaining to the phonetic, linguistic,
morphologic, and syntactic characteristics of Arabic letters.
Each Qirah has its specific recitation guidelines as well as word and letter variations. The discipline of Islamic studies that focuses on these recitation techniques is also referred to as qirat. As a result, Qirat is the verbalization of the Quran, and Qirat is where the Quran is maintained.
Understanding the Meaning of Qirat
The Arabic word Qirat ( قراءات ) is a derivative of the word Qirah ( قراءة ), which means “reading.”
Several definitions of this phrase have been argued over by different Quranic scholars. It is
named after the Arabic word for a Quran reciter or Qari. Reading or reciting something is known
in Arabic as qirat. In one sense, it is also meant as reading something loudly from memory.
Different Qiraat of Quran
The various Qirats denote the mannerisms used by well-known authority chain bearers when
reciting the Quran. The renowned Rawis, who related the story in an established recognized
chain, is the source of the names of all the Qirat.
Many varieties of Qirat demonstrate that this Holy Book is a revelation from Allah (SWT) that has been maintained throughout the ages since every single one of these Qirat has been recited with a direct and authentic chain of ancestors dating back to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SWS).
7 Qiraat Al Quran & Their Names
The seven Qirats are classified as Mutawatir, which is a transmission supported by numerous,
independent expert chains that exclude all possibility of error. And Abu Bakr ibn Mujahid, a
well-known Quranic scholar who specializes in Qirat, selected these Qirat.
- Qirat Naafi’ Al-Madani
Imam Malik (RA) and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RA) narrated the Holy Quran mostly in this
manner in Qiraat Nafi’ Al-Madani (Madinah). These two Qaris, Qaloon and Warsh, guarded this
recitation. - Qirat Ibn Katheer Al-Makki
Qiraat Ibn Katheer Al-Makki Qunbul, Al-Buzzi, and Imam Shafi. The two Qaris who guarded this
recitation are Al-Buzzi and Qunbul. - Qirat Abu Amr al-Basri (Basra)
Ad-Doori and As-Soosi are the Qaris who maintained this Recitation style. - Qirat Ibn Aamir ash-Shami
The two Qaris who preserved and related to this Quranic recital are Ibn Dhakwan and Hisham. - Qirat Asim Al-Kufi
Imams Abu Hanifa (RA), Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RA), and Qiraat Asim Al-Kufi (Kufa) regularly
delivered the Quran in this manner. Hafs and Shuba are the two Qaris who protected this
recitation method. - Qira’t Hamzah al-Kufi
Khallad and Khalaf are two renowned Qaris who maintained it. - Qirat Al-Kisaa’i
The two Qaris who kept this Quranic recitation style were Al-Layth and Ad-Doori.
7 Different Dialects of the Quran
After understanding the 7 types of qirat of the Quran, we should also pay attention to its many
dialects. Generally, people think that Qirat is the dialect of the Quran. However, it is Ahruf (the
dialects of the Quran).
The seven Ahruf (plural of Harf), which are ways, dialects, forms, modes and styles, through which the Holy Quran was revealed to Allah’s Messenger (PBUH), are given here.
In contrast, Qirat refers to the pronunciation technique employed in Quran recitations and is
distinct from the seven different Quran recitation styles (Ahruf). The seven tribes are:
● Quraysh
● Hudhayl
● Tameem
● Hawaazin
● Thaqeef
● Kinaanah
● and Yemen
– and are thought to speak these seven dialects.
The purpose of this was to facilitate memorizing and reciting the Quran for the local tribes that
speak distinct dialects of Arabic. Under the reign of the third caliph Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.),
these seven languages were reduced to just one, that of the Quraysh, because the potential for
division within the Muslim Ummah existed with the different reading methods.
This dialect forms the foundation for each of the seven types of recitation.
Abbas (R.A.) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“Jibreel taught me one style and I reviewed it until he taught me more, and I kept asking him for
more and he gave me more until finally there were seven styles.”
(al-Bukhaari, 3047; Muslim, 819
The Difference between Tajweed and Qirat
Qirat and tajweed are frequently confused with one another. It must be clear to us that while
tajweed refers to a set of guidelines for the correct pronunciation and recitation of the Quran,
Qirat of Quran refers to the numerous conventional recitation techniques.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was given the Quran with tajweed, and he later taught it to his
companions. Whereas each of the Qirat has its tajweed.
Narrated Aisha:
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Such a person as recites the Qur’an and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the
Qur’an by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 4937)
How to Learn Ten Qirat Online?
Qirat is a specialized way of reciting the Quran so learn Qirat with professional help.
● You can locate a trustworthy and knowledgeable instructor or online course that
specializes in teaching the ten qirat.
● Be steadfast in learning Arabic and Tajweed.
● Make time for practice and establish a routine for your study.
● Take advantage of the online qirat course book, interactive lessons, feedback, and
practice opportunities.
● If you are planning to learn multiple Qirat, start by concentrating on the first one before
moving on to the next.
● Listen to different Qaris and Try to mimic the pronunciation and intonation.
● To improve your qirat abilities, memorize brief surahs or texts from the Quran.
● To strengthen your knowledge, regularly examine and update what you have learned.
● Maintain a positive outlook and your commitment to your learning process.
Why Should you Take Quran Qirat Course?
● A Qirat course can help you develop a deeper understanding of the Quran
● It helps you learn the proper way of Quran recitation and makes your recitation beautiful
● It can help you in achieving your goal of Quran memorization and gaining Ijazah
● It can help you in developing a love for the Quran and Allah
● An online course is a form of convenient learning that you can enjoy sitting right at your home.
Conclusion
Isn’t it blissful to listen to the Quran with Qirat? Then imagine how blissful it will be to read the
Quran with Qirat! One must keep striving to achieve perfection in their Quran recitation
irrespective of age and gender. And learning Qirat can be one of the ways to beautify our
recitation, develop strong connections, and show our love for Allah. So do not wait but learn
Qirat of the Quran today!
FAQs
How to Learn Qirat?
One can learn Qirat through several means. You can join online or offline Qirat classes, learn Qirat through videos, or hire a professional tutor.
How to read Quran with Qirat?
To recite the Quran with Qirat:
● Master Arabic
● Learn Tajweed rules and their application
● Choose a Qirat out of different qiraat of the Quran
● Seek professional guidance
● Practice regularly