What Are The 7 Types Of Qirat?

Qirat is the method of reciting the Quran using any of the specific types of Qirat. The Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet PBUH over the period of 23 years. The Prophet PBUH recited the Holy Quran to his companions, who memorized and passed it on. 

Over time the style and modes of recitation have developed and changed. These variations in recitation of Quran style are based on geographical, lingual and accent basis. 

It is basically a skill that is highly valued in Islam, and the ones who recite Quran beautifully are respected and admired. Practicing Qirat has always been popular among muslims.  

Meaning of Qirat 

The word Qirat is derived from the Arabic word “Qira”  that means to read. It is named after the word “Qari”. In terminology it means to recite in a specific way. This term has been described by different scholars in different ways. One of them describes it as a knowledge of pronouncing the verses of the Quran.

Why Recite The Quran With Qirat?

Understanding the different Qirat is essential to learn the art of Quranic recitation. 

Qirat plays an important role in Tajweed because it provides proper guidelines for pronunciation of Arabic language and other aspects of recitation. The Qirat of the Quran represents diversity and has been effective in preserving Quranic text. It also ensures how to recite Quran across different regions.

Types Of Qirat

These modes were conveyed by scholars and are known as Sab’ah al-Mutawatirah or mutawatir. Later Ibn Al-Jazari introduced three new modes known as Mashhur. 

Transmission of Qirat  styles is an oral passing of tradition from one era to another through recitation and memorization. Qaris dedicated their lives in mastering and preserving these Quran recitation rules. 

All Qirat got their names from Rawis who narrated it and the difference in these amounts to two thousand words of the Quran. 

Let's have a look at each type with names,reciter, narrator and origin. 

1. Qirat Naafi’ Al-Madani

Reciter (Qari):  Imam Malik (RA) and Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal (RA) 

Narrator (Rawi):  Qaloon and Warsh 

Origin:  Madinah 

2. Qirat Ibn Katheer Al-Makki 

Reciter (Qari): Imam Shafi, Qunbul and Al-Buzzi

Narrator (Rawi):  Qunbul and Al-Buzzi

Origin: Makkah

3. Qirat Abu Amr al-Basri 

Reciter (Qari): Ad-Doori and As-Soosi

Narrator (Rawi): Ad-Doori and As-Soosi

Origin: Basra

4. Qirat Ibn Aamir ash-Shami 

Reciter (Qari): Ibn Dhakwan and Hisham

Narrator (Rawi): Ibn Dhakwan and Hisham

Origin: Syria

5. Qirat Asim Al-Kufi

Reciter (Qari): Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) and Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal (RA)

Narrator (Rawi):  Hafs and Shuba

Origin: Kufa

6. Qirat Hamzah al-Kufi

Reciter (Qari):  Khallad and Khalaf 

Narrator (Rawi):  Khallad and Khalaf 

Origin: Kufa

7. Qirat Al-Kisaa’i

Reciter (Qari): Al-Layth and Ad-Doori

Narrator (Rawi): Al-Layth and Ad-Doori

Origin: Kufa

Out of ten Qirat, only seven of them are commonly used because they came from the specific region. The other three moved to different regions and remained undiscovered for a long time. 

How to Differentiate Between Qirat Styles 

Difference in style of Qirat depends on various factors including pronunciation and linguistic variation. 

There are slight differences in these styles. For example one Quran reader stops or takes a minor break (Waqf) while others don’t or there is some vowelling difference. The difference might also occur due to having a shadda ( ـّ ) or not having shadda. 

Your Qari can help you better in this regard. However major factors can be.

1. Pronunciation:

The most likely difference that separates two styles is pronunciation. Specific letters may have different variations in the pronunciation, during Quran Listening observe these closely. 

2. Vowel Length:

Qirat differs in the length of vowels that brings diversity in it. Sometimes diacritical marks (Harakat) can be the factor for differentiating between styles. Notice the length of vowels and placement of diacritical marks. 

3. Tajweed Rules:

Each Qira’ah comes with specific Tajweed rules and those who do Quran recitation with Tajweed, must be familiar with it. 

Certain rules of Tajweed are elongation (Madd) and pause (Waqf). Learn about these rules to identify the differences. 

4. Word Endings:

Styles get differentiated at the end of the verse so be attentive on how words are being pronounced. There are slight variations in word endings. 

5. Rhythm:

Every Qirat comes with a unique rhythm and pattern. You might get confused in the beginning but with experience you will start to recognize the diversity of each style. 

Choosing Qirat Style For Recitation 

Choice of recitation style is totally your personal preference. If you are interested to learn different styles and then choose between them it's up to you. Try to choose that style which is more popular in your region so that you can easily teach it later or transmit it to others in your surroundings. 

Here the role of online platforms can play a vital role. We offer versatile learning opportunities. With us you get the choice of selecting any Qari for teaching. Our online Quran web offers a vast range of learning opportunities like Quran learning courses, Online Quran translation, Arabic language courses and Islamic courses.

Conclusion 

The existence of different Qirat styles depicts the beauty and diversity of the Quran. Qirat has a special place in Islam. Each style showcases the uniqueness and distinction within itself.   

Although each style has a certain existence in a particular region, all styles are considered authentic and valid. By exploring different Qirat types we are able to get a deeper understanding of our faith and religion. 

Learning different styles of Qirat may look difficult but proper guidance and coaching can make this task simple for you.

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Reading Quran online has now become easy with  platforms like eQuraneKareem where you get the opportunity of learning Qirat in a proper and professional way. 

Qirat is not just about reading the Arabic verses but to know the sense of each and every verse and to truly get spiritual outcomes.