Qira'at (Variant Readings of the Quran)

Definition

Qira'at (قراءات) refers to the different authentic methods of reciting the Quran, all of which trace back to the Prophet Muhammad through established chains of transmission. These are not different versions or texts, but rather variations in pronunciation, vowelization, and minor wording that were all taught by the Prophet himself.

The Seven and Ten Readings

The most widely recognized are the seven readings (al-qira'at al-sab'), as compiled by Ibn Mujahid (d. 936 CE). Each reading is named after its imam: Nafi' (Madinah), Ibn Kathir (Makkah), Abu Amr (Basra), Ibn Amir (Damascus), Asim (Kufa), Hamzah (Kufa), and al-Kisa'i (Kufa). Three additional readings, those of Abu Ja'far, Ya'qub, and Khalaf, bring the total to ten mutawatir (mass-transmitted) readings.

Conditions for Validity

For a reading to be accepted, it must meet three conditions: conformity with the Uthmani script (even if only potentially), conformity with Arabic grammar (even if only one valid analysis), and an authentic, continuous chain of transmission back to the Prophet. Any reading that fails even one condition is rejected as anomalous (shadhdhah).

Today

The most widely used reading globally is Hafs from Asim, used in most of the Muslim world. Warsh from Nafi' is prevalent in North and West Africa. Qalun from Nafi' is used in parts of Libya and Tunisia. The al-Duri reading from Abu Amr is used in parts of Sudan and the Horn of Africa.