Qira’t Program

Home / Qira’t Program

Qira’t Program

Qira’at (singular: Qira’a), which literally means the readings, terminologically means the method of recitation. It is the articulation of the words of the Quran as they were articulated by the Prophet (pbuh), and was taught or heard from him by his companions. This is from the noblest of sciences since it guards one from making mistakes when pronouncing the Quranic vocabulary, thus protecting it from distortion and alteration, as well as helping to distinguish between that which is read and that which is not.

Traditionally, there are 10 recognized schools of qira’at, and each one derives its name from a famous recitation of Quran. These reciters were known for precise narration and accurate pronunciation, as well excellent proficiency. Those mentioned here are the narrators of these recitations along with their most famous students:

  1. The recitation of Naafi’ Al–Madani. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Qaaloon and Warsh.
  2. The recitation of Ibn Katheer Al-Makki. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Al-Bazzi and Qunbul.
  3. The recitation of Abu Amru Al-Basri. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Ad-Doori and As-Soosi.
  4. The recitation of Ibn ‘Aamir Ash-Shaami. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Hishaam and Ibn Thakwaan.
  5. The recitation of ‘Aasim Al-Koofi. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Shu’bah and Hafs.
  6. The recitation of Hamzah Al-Koofi. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Khalaf and Khallad.
  7. The recitation of Al-Kisaa’ee Al-Koofi. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Abu Al–Haarith and Hafs Ad-Doori.
  8. The recitation of Abu Ja’far Al Madani. The most famous of those who narrated from him are ‘Eesa Ibn Wardaan and Jimaaz.
  9. The recitation of Ya’qoob Al-Masri. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Ruwayis and Roouh.
  10. The recitation of Khalaf Ibn Hishaam Al-Bazzaar Al-Baghdaadi. The most famous of those who narrated from him are Is-Haaq Ibn Ibraaheem and Idrees Ibn ‘Abdul–Kareem.
When attributing the narration of a narrator from among those mentioned to the Imaam which he narrates the recitation from we call the said narration a “Riwaayah”. Thus, for example, we would say this is the Qiraa’a of ‘Aasim with the Riwaayah of Hafs, or the Qiraa’a of Naafi’ with the Riwaayah of Warsh.
 
IQA’s Qira’a teachers have received ijazah (certification) in at least one of the recitations mentioned above. The importance of proper pronounciation and tajweed is stressed throughout the student’s journey in memorizing the Quran and perfecting its recitation.

Listen to the beautiful recitation of our IQA students at Quran Night 2012: