The Quran can be recited in seven different ways. All seven of these methods are deemed permissible and are proven by scholars. This blog is going to explore two of these modes of recitation, Hafs & Warsh, their origin, and the ways in which they differ.
The Difference
Before delving into the Hafs and Warsh modes of recitation, it is important to clear one misconception: Are the seven styles the same as the seven modes of recitation?
This is not correct, and there is no evidence from the scholars to support it. The seven styles refer to the ways in which the Quranic text was revealed by Jibreel AS. As stated in the hadith of the Prophet PBUH, Jibreel AS brought down the Quran in one style, but Muhammad PBUH asked him for more styles until the Quran was revealed to him in seven different styles.
The Prophet PBUH said Jabreel AS taught him to recite the Quran in one style. However, the Prophet PBUH kept asking him for more until Jibreel AS gave him seven styles. Ibn Shibab said, ‘These seven styles are essentially one. They don’t differ about what is forbidden and what is not.
As stated in the hadith, these seven styles didn’t contradict each other, but they did cause a disagreement between the Muslims.
Later, during the caliphate of Umar RA, the physical compilation of the Quran began, and these seven styles were compiled into a single written form. And that written form is used by Muslims worldwide.
Now, the seven modes of recitation refer to the seven different ways one can recite the Quran that exist today.
The Origin Of Hafs
Abū ʽAmr Ḥafṣ ibn Sulaymān ibn, also known as Hafs, is one of the primary transmitters of one of the seven modes of recitation. According to sources, he received this method from his teacher, Aasim Ibn Abi al-Najud, who is said to have one of the strongest isnaad (chains of transmission) in recitation.
The Origin of Warsh
Uthman Ibn Sa‘id al-Qibṭi, also known as Warsh, is another reciter whose method is among the most widely practiced. He was a student of Naafi’ al-Madani, who is also reported to have one of the strongest isnaads regarding recitation.
The Differences Between the Two
Hafs is the most widely used mode among Muslims because it is clear and easy to follow. Most digital Qurans also follow this mode. The Warsh recitation, although not as popular as Hafs, is still widely followed by people in North and West Africa. Both vary slightly in rhythm and pronunciation, which produces differences in flow. The following are some of the key differences between the two:
Difference In Harakaat
The “harakat” are the symbols on top of the Arabic letters that determine how a letter is to be pronounced. Sometimes, there is a difference in these harakaat between the two recitations, which changes how a letter or word is pronounced. Such as the phrase “مَلِك يوم الدين”.
In the Hafs version, the word “Malik” is pronounced with an alif (ا) after the “م,” meaning that there is an “a” sound after the “م.” This pronunciation means “owner.”
Whereas in the Warsh version, the word is pronounced without an “ا” and means “king.”
Difference In Word Forms
Some words differ depending on whether one is reciting the Hafs version or the Warsh version. These differences don’t change the meaning at all; rather, they just change how a word is pronounced. For example, if one looks at the word “الزكاة” (the obligatory amount each eligible Muslim has to give in a lunar year), in the Hafs version, it is pronounced as “az-zakah.” Whereas in the Warsh version, it’s pronounced as “az-zekah.” Both words have the same meaning, but the Warsh version uses a softer vowel.
Difference In Hamza Rules
The Arabic letter hamza, ء, is an integral part of the Quran. A hamza is used with a word rather than on its own, and therefore, there are certain rules attached to this letter. In the warsh version, these rules fluctuate. For example, there are more rules in this version concerning tashīl al-hamzah (easing the hamzah sound) or deleting or merging the hamzah in specific positions. Whereas the Hafs version has consistent hamza rules.
Difference In Lengths Of Madd
A Madd is a “~” symbol on top of a letter, which indicates the pronunciation of a letter is to be elongated. There are several types of madd in the Arabic language, and one of these types is Madd-e-Munfasil. Also known as the “separate elongation,” this type of madd is elongated to 4-5 beats in the Warsh version, while the Hafs version only lengthens it to 2 beats.
Tafkhim Of The Letter ر
Tafkhim is one of the basic rules in tajweed. It refers to making the sound of a letter full or heavy by making a slight “o” shape with the mouth and then pronouncing the letter. There are many letters on which tafkhim is applicable, but this rule applies to the letter ر. Both the Hafs and Warsh versions have tafkhim rules, but in the Warsh version, ر may be lightened or emphasized in places where it isn’t in the Hafs version.