What are the 7 Qirat of the Quran?

The 7 Qirat (plural of Qira'a) of the Quran refer to the seven well-known methods of Quranic recitation that have been authentically transmitted from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through chains of narration by renowned reciters. These recitations differ in pronunciation, rules of Tajweed (elocution), and sometimes in the choice of certain words or grammatical forms, though they do not alter the overall meaning of the Quranic text. Here are the seven Qirat along with their primary transmitters (Rawis): 1. **Qirat of Nafi' al-Madani**    - **Primary Transmitters (Rawis)**: Qalun and Warsh    - **Region**: Medina    - **Characteristics**: Known for its melodic flow and clarity in pronunciation. 2. **Qirat of Ibn Kathir al-Makki**    - **Primary Transmitters (Rawis)**: Al-Bazzi and Qunbul    - **Region**: Mecca    - **Characteristics**: Distinguished by its clear enunciation and rhythm. 3. **Qirat of Abu 'Amr al-Basri**    - **Primary Transmitters (Rawis)**: Ad-Duri and Al-Susi    - **Region**: Basra    - **Characteristics**: Notable for its smooth and fluid recitation style. 4. **Qirat of Ibn 'Amir ad-Dimashqi**    - **Primary Transmitters (Rawis)**: Hisham and Ibn Dhakwan    - **Region**: Damascus (Syria)    - **Characteristics**: Recognized for its distinctive pronunciation and vocalization. 5. **Qirat of Asim ibn Abi al-Najud**    - **Primary Transmitters (Rawis)**: Hafs and Shu'bah    - **Region**: Kufa    - **Characteristics**: Widely used and known for its precision. The Hafs transmission is the most commonly used recitation worldwide. 6. **Qirat of Hamzah al-Kufi**    - **Primary Transmitters (Rawis)**: Khalaf and Khallad    - **Region**: Kufa    - **Characteristics**: Known for its significant pauses and elongation of vowels. 7. **Qirat of Al-Kisai**    - **Primary Transmitters (Rawis)**: Al-Duri and Abu al-Harith    - **Region**: Kufa    - **Characteristics**: Recognized for its complex vocal nuances and intonations. ### Understanding and Learning the Qirat 1. **Study Under a Qualified Teacher**: Learning the Qirat requires guidance from a knowledgeable and certified teacher who can teach the specific nuances and rules.     2. **Tajweed Rules**: Each Qira'a follows specific Tajweed rules. Mastering these rules is essential for correct recitation. 3. **Practice and Consistency**: Regular and consistent practice is crucial. Listening to recordings of skilled reciters can also help in familiarizing oneself with the differences. 4. **Books and Resources**: There are many books and resources available that explain the differences in the Qirat in detail. Some recommended books include:    - "Al-Nashr fi al-Qiraat al-‘Ashr" by Ibn al-Jazari    - "Hidayat al-Qari" by Muhammad Mutawalli al-Sha'rawi 5. **Online Platforms**: Platforms like Studio Arabiya, Quran Academy, and Preply offer courses specifically focused on teaching the different Qirat. Understanding the 7 Qirat enriches one's knowledge of the Quranic recitation and allows for a deeper appreciation of its linguistic and phonetic beauty.