The falsehood of the seven multi Qira’at tradition

The false claimed in the hadith
The Ahruf (plural of harf) of the Qur’an refer to seven distinct, authentic modes or linguistic variations in which the holy text was revealed by Allah. Authorized by the Prophet Muhammad to accommodate different regional dialects among Arab tribes, these variations facilitated widespread memorization and recitation without altering the foundational meaning.

The revelation of the Quran in seven modes is corroborated by authentic Hadith, notably a famous narration in Sahih al-Bukhari where the Prophet states the Quran was revealed in seven ways. While the exact list of dialects is debated by scholars, traditional consensus identifies seven primary variations in wording or pronunciation that occur throughout these Ahruf.

However, the true Qirāʾāt tradition preserved and controlled only one linguistic recitation against the seven ahruf or distinct authentic modes or variations of reciting the Quran.

It is impossible to make a claim that Allah revealed to the prophet the Qur’an in 7 ahruf to facilitate recitation for different Arab tribes.

The prophet received his revelation in his heart and he can only recite it in his own Quraish dialect and none others –

S2:97 Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel-for he brings down the revelation to thy heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe.

There is only one recitation by the prophet and it is in the dialect of the Arab Quraish (S106). This one and only recitation that millions of Muslims memorised by hearts from the time of the prophet until today.

S29:49 Rather, the Qur’an is distinct verses preserved within the breasts of those who have been given knowledge. And none reject Our verses except the wrongdoers.

MEMORISING OF THE QUR’AN HAS BEEN INSTITUTIONALISED

The memorised and the written Qur’an have been the same from the time of the prophet until today.

What have been memorized of the oral Qur’an is being written as of its recitation until today! There is no such thing as hafs or warsh, the words were an invention. The Qur’an was recited in the dialect of the Arab Quraish tribe mentioned in Surah 106.

S106:1 For the accustomed security of the Quraysh.

S75:16-18 Move not thy tongue concerning the Qur’an to make haste therewith. It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it: But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital as promulgated.

Memorising the Qur’an had been ongoing from the time of the prophet until today.

Individuals who have memorized the entire Qur’an are now known as a Hafiz (male) or Hafiza (female), and are recognized in Muslim countries through a combination of formal examination processes, community acknowledgment, and the granting of certifications.

Oral Examinations: The primary method of verification is a rigorous oral examination. The individual must recite the entire Quran (all 114 surahs and 6,236 verses) from memory to a qualified teacher or a panel of scholars, without the aid of a physical copy (mushaf).

Accurate Recitation (Tajweed): The recitation must adhere to the strict rules of Tajweed, which govern the correct pronunciation, intonation, and articulation of each word and letter of the Quran.

Certification (Ijazah): Upon successfully passing the examination, the individual is awarded a certificate, often called an Ijazah. This formal authorization validates their mastery and grants them permission to teach the Quran to others. The Ijazah often includes a Sanad, an unbroken chain of narration tracing the transmission of the Quran back to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which holds immense spiritual and academic value.

Institutions (Madrasas/Hifz Schools): Many individuals achieve this through structured programs at Islamic educational institutions (madrasas) or specialized Hifz schools, which have a formal curriculum and assessment procedures, culminating in a final exam and a diploma or certificate.

With this kind of institutionalisation the memorization of the Qur’an, it is impossible to be in existing of many or diverse ways to read the same Qur’an by millions of different alhafiz.

The above are proofs that there is only one standard Arabic Qur’an recited by the prophet Muhammad A.S. as a mercy to the whole world.

S26:193-195 The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down. Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] – that you may be of the warners. In a clear Arabic tongue.

S41:2-3 A Revelation from Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful; A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail; a Qur’an in Arabic, for people who understand.

S39:28 A Qur’an in Arabic, without any crookedness therein: in order that they may guard against Evil.

S13:37 Thus have We revealed it to be a judgment of authority in Arabic. Wert thou to follow their vain desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither protector nor defender against Allah.

Leave a comment