Variant Readings and One Holy Book

(Proposal to submit the final year Research to NIIS)

M. Sahl Sameem
1863 | FIS | 4th Year

Faculty Of Islamic Studies

Naleemiah Institute of Islamic Studies
Beruwala, Sri Lanka
1.0 Introduction

The Quran, revered by Muslims as the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it
is a literary and spiritual masterpiece that transcends time and culture. Beyond its profound religious
significance, the Quran also provides a window into the linguistic diversity of the Arabian Peninsula
during the Prophet's era. One fascinating aspect that has intrigued scholars and researchers is the concept
of the "Seven Dialects of the Quran."
The Seven Qirat, also known as the "Seven Ahruf," refer to the belief that the Quran was revealed to the
Prophet Muhammad in seven distinct linguistic forms or modes. It is believed that the Prophet himself
approved of these modifications. This shows the diverse of language and cultural traditions of the various
Arab tribes. This idea has major implications for understanding the transmission of the Quran's content,
the development of language, and interpretation.
This study explores the Seven Dialects, aiming to discover their historical origins, scholarly
interpretations, and contemporary relevance. By exploring the linguistic nuances and cultural contexts of
these dialects, aims to shed light on how they enrich our understanding of the Quran's revelations and
provide insights into the dynamic linguistic landscape of early Arabia and the situation of dialects in
current days.

1.1 Research Problem

The Research problem centers on investigating the Historical Origins, Linguistic Nuances, of The
Seven dialects of the Holy Quran, Qira’at Types, and aiming to study Quran revelation in seven
Ah’ruf.

1.3 Research Question

1. What is the language of the Quran, How Quran Compiled and its History?

2. What is meant by Ahruf?

3. Revelation of the Quran in Seven Letters (Saba’ Ahruf)?

4. What is meant by Qirat?

5. In what ways can the study of the variant readings enhance our overall comprehension of the
Quran's linguistic evolution, its preservation, and the methods of its transmission?

6. Are there any notable variations in the recitation of the Quran due to the influence of the Seven
Dialects? What impact do these variations have on the overall recitation tradition?

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1.4 Objectives of Research

 To Investigate Quran Language and Historical Background.

 To Analyze Linguistic variations and phonetics in Seven Ahruf.

 To Explore how Qurra’ Explained about seven qirat.

 To study how Quran preserved till these days.

1.5 Significance of Research

 Studying the variant readings of the Holy Quran is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of
its linguistic and interpretive richness. This research aims to cover historical Background,
linguistic Nuances, theological, cultural, and modern-day Situation. and enhance academic
scholarship in Quranic studies.

1.6 Limitation of Study

 This research was carried out in a short period of time which was also limited to geographical
locations.

2.0 Literature Review

1. According to Muhammed Ibrahimi, United Nation States.

He conducted research on Seven Reading methods and the gratuitous attacks in this study.
Focusing on examining the claim malicious charge with the purpose of raising doubts not only
about the Qur’an also about Islam. And focusing the language and demonstrate the stealthy
language which confuse the reader.

2. According to Dr. Abdulqadir Sulaiman Muhammad, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

He Conducted research on Qira’at, history of the Qira’at, Types of Qira’at, And authentic qira’as.

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 3. According to Ahmed Ali al Iman, International Institute of Islamic Thought Herndon,
Virginia.
He conducted research on Seven Reading of the Qur’an and their historical and Linguistic Origins
His research investigates the reason behind these variation and the origins of the qira’at, status of
the Qur’an and its oral and written history during the Prophet’s Time, and the compilation of Abu
Bkar (R.A) and Uthman (R.A).

4. According to Sajid U Rahman, School Education Department, Bahawalpur Pakistan.

In his article, He Justifies the revelation of holy Qur’an and Clarifies John Burtons
misconceptions with solid arguments.

5. According to Dr. Muhammad Kabiru Sabo, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Nigeria.
In his article, He Discusses the Opinion and categorizes them based on their strength of evidence
into three namely, opinion which has no basis, which has some apparent basis but a week
opinion, and opinion that has relevance going with majority Scholars of Qur’anic Science.
And highlights the relationship Between the seven letters and seven Qira’at and discusses those
its wisdom in relation to proper recitation of glorious Qur’an.

3.0 Method of Research

3.1 Research Methodology
 Qualitative Research
o Qualitative research is applied using words, emotions, non-numeric data which is
not actually quantifiable. The data and information used in qualitative research
cannot be interpreted using mathematical equations and formulas.
 Descriptive Research
o Descriptive research is the in-depth study of the topic being researched. It is
studied by taking Review of Literature as a base to see what has already been
studied and what conclusions have already been derived from them. The method
is usually used to study the characteristics of the topic being researched. Our
research is also based on the Descriptive Method. It helps us to know the
qualitative and quantitative aspects of the study.

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 3.2 Data Collection Instruments

 The secondary source of data collection is assessed to gain information and knowledge
about our research problem that may be previously discussed by some other researcher.
The secondary is referred to know what has already been discussed and what more scope
can be there for research. The secondary data is taken from selective websites and from e-
newspapers. The secondary data was useful for the study of Review of Literature, we could
get to know about the views of different researchers which gave us an idea about the
factors being previously discussed and the conclusions drawn from them. It gave us an idea
what all things we could be studied to solve the research problem.

4.0 Structure of The Research

4.1 Holy Quran.

4.1.1 The Language of Quran.

4.1.2 Compilation of the Quran.
4.1.3 Difference Between Ahruf and Qirat.

4.2 Revelation of the Quran in Seven Ahruf

4.2.1 What is meant by Ahruf.

4.2.2 History of Ahruf.
4.2.3 The Reality and States of Saba Ahruf.
4.2.4 Are the Ahruf exist today.
4.2.5 Wisdom in Various Ahruf.
4.2.6 The Mashaf and their Relationship to Ahruf.

4.3 Qiraat of the Holy Qur’an.

4.3.1 What is meant by Qiraat.

4.3.2 The History of Qiraat.
4.3.3 The Condition for an Authentic Qiraat.
4.3.4 Authentic Qiraat and Qurra.
4.3.5 Other types of Qiraat.

4.4 Variant Readings of Holy Quran In Sri Lanka Context.

4.5 Summary.

5.0 References.

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1. Sahih Bukhari, Chapter: The Quran was revealed to be recited in seven different ways.

2. https://www.alislam.org/articles/understanding-history-differences-of-dialects-of-holy-
quran/#_edn2.

3. https://www.rizqankareem.com/introduction-to-the-quran-ndash-revelation-compilation-
memorization--preservation/the-7-dialects-ahruf-in-which-the-quran-was-revealed.

4. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-origins-of-the-variant-readings-of-the-quran.

5. Seven Readings, One holy Book and the Gratuitous Attacks by: ‫استاد محمد ابراهيمي‬

6. Variant Readings of the Quran: A critical study of their Historical and Linguistics Origins
by:(Ahmed Ali Al-Imam) ‫ا‬

7. ‫ مغاوري محمد شعبان‬: ‫الفجر اجلديد يف احاكم القراءة والتجويد‬

8. ‫ عطية قابل نرص‬:‫غاية املريد يف عمل التجويد‬

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