7 Types of Qirat of the Quran | All Styles of Quran Recitation

The Quran is the divine word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Arabic language. One of the unique aspects of the Quran is that it was revealed in multiple recitation styles, known as Qirat. These Qirat provide various ways of pronouncing and articulating words while maintaining the same meaning and message.

The Qiratul Quran Institute is dedicated to teaching the different styles of Quranic recitation, ensuring that students understand, appreciate, and recite the Quran correctly. This article explores the seven types of Qirat, their origins, and how they enhance the beauty and depth of Quran recitation.

What is Qirat in the Quran?

Understanding the Meaning of Qirat

Qirat (قراءات) refers to the different methods of reciting the Quran, passed down from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through authentic chains of narration (Sanad). These styles include variations in pronunciation, elongation, and articulation but do not change the meaning of the Quran.

Why Were There Different Styles of Recitation?

The Quran was revealed in multiple Qirat to accommodate the linguistic diversity among Arab tribes. This allowed people from different dialectical backgrounds to recite the Quran in a way that was easier for them. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself mentioned:

“Indeed, this Qur’an has been revealed in seven Ahruf (modes of recitation), so recite in whichever is easiest for you.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

The Qirat were preserved through oral transmission, and scholars classified them based on authentic narrations from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The 7 Types of Qirat of the Quran

Seven Authentic Qirat Styles and Their Characteristics

There are seven primary Qirat styles, each associated with a renowned Qari (reciter) from the early generations of Islam. Each Qirat has its own distinct pronunciation rules, rhythm, and phonetic variations.

1. Qirat Hafs An Asim (Most Common Recitation Style)

• Region: Most widely recited Qirat, dominant in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Turkey, and worldwide.
• Narrators: Hafs ibn Sulayman from Imam Asim.
• Characteristics:
  • Follows Tajweed rules precisely.
  • Commonly used in printed Mushafs (Quran copies).
  • Has a clear and smooth reading flow.

2. Qirat Warsh An Nafi (North African Recitation)

• Region: Used mainly in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and parts of West Africa.
• Narrators: Warsh ibn Nafi from Imam Nafi.
• Characteristics:
  • Unique pronunciation, including elongation of vowels.
  • Words pronounced differently compared to Hafs, e.g., “Maliki Yawmid Deen” (Hafs) vs. “Maaliki Yawmid Deen” (Warsh).
  • Strong emphasis on vowel lengthening and nasal sounds.

3. Qirat Qalun An Nafi (Libyan & Tunisian Recitation)

• Region: Recited mainly in Libya and some parts of Tunisia.
• Narrators: Qalun ibn Nafi from Imam Nafi.
• Characteristics:
  • Similar to Warsh, but with less elongation.
  • Some variations in the pronunciation of Hamzah letters.
  • Frequently used by scholars in North African regions.

4. Qirat Ad-Duri An Abi Amr (Sudanese & West African Recitation)

• Region: Popular in Sudan, Nigeria, Chad, and parts of Africa.
• Narrators: Ad-Duri ibn Abi Amr from Imam Abi Amr.
• Characteristics:
  • Includes soft and unique pronunciations of certain letters.
  • Recitation features slight pauses and variations in vowels.
  • Used by a minority of Quran reciters but is still widely recognized.

5. Qirat As-Susi An Abi Amr (Yemeni & African Recitation)

• Region: Found in parts of Yemen and regions of Africa.
• Narrators: As-Susi ibn Abi Amr from Imam Abi Amr.
• Characteristics:
  • Unique letter pronunciations, particularly in elongation of vowels.
  • Some differences in word structure compared to Hafs.
  • Smooth and flowing style of recitation.

6. Qirat Khalaf An Hamzah (Iraqi & Middle Eastern Recitation)

• Region: Practiced in Iraq, parts of Syria, and Yemen.
• Narrators: Khalaf ibn Hamzah from Imam Hamzah.
• Characteristics:
  • Features soft pronunciations of certain Arabic letters.
  • A blend of rhythmic and prolonged sounds.
  • Considered a more poetic and musical Qirat.

7. Qirat Shu’bah An Asim (Alternative to Hafs in Some Regions)

• Region: Used in limited parts of Iraq and surrounding areas.
• Narrators: Shu’bah ibn Asim from Imam Asim.
• Characteristics:
  • Close to Hafs but with slight phonetic variations.
  • Differences in how words are pronounced in selected verses.
  • Used by scholars to understand deeper phonetic structures of Quranic words.

How to Learn the Different Qirat Styles

Steps to Mastering Quran Recitation in Various Qirat

1. Learn Tajweed First

• Tajweed is the foundation of correct recitation.
• Focus on Makharij (articulation) and proper pronunciation of letters.

2. Listen to Different Qaris & Recitations

• Follow recitations of renowned Qaris specializing in different Qirat.
• Listen to Sheikh Abdul Basit (Hafs), Sheikh Al-Minshawi (Warsh), and other famous reciters.

3. Take Structured Qirat Courses

• Enroll in Qirat classes at the Qiratul Quran Institute.
• Learn from certified scholars who teach multiple recitation styles.

4. Practice Reciting Small Verses in Different Qirat

• Start with short Surahs like Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Ikhlas, and Surah Al-Kawthar.
• Record your recitation and compare it with professional Qaris.

5. Memorize Variations & Understand Their Meaning

• Learning the different pronunciations and elongations helps improve fluency.
• Study the slight differences in words and letters between Qirat styles.

Final Thoughts – Enhancing Your Quran Recitation with Qirat

The seven types of Qirat are a beautiful part of Quranic recitation, preserving the divine revelation in multiple authentic styles. By learning different Qirat, reciters deepen their connection to the Quran, appreciate its linguistic richness, and improve their Tajweed skills.

The Qiratul Quran Institute provides comprehensive courses in all Qirat styles, helping students master Quranic recitation with accuracy, fluency, and beauty.

📖 Begin your journey today and explore the fascinating world of Qirat!

🌙 May Allah grant us the ability to recite the Quran with excellence and sincerity. Ameen!