In brief
The Hafs Quran is the most popular Quranic reading. It is the riwaya, that is to say the transmission of the Quran according to Hafs ibn Sulayman from his master Asim ibn Abi an-Nujud. This reading is used by approximately 95% of Muslims worldwide. Hafs chose the clearest letters from his master. The Quran exists in several formats and scripts. You can choose according to your preference and your needs. Modern mushafs offer aids such as tajweed colors and markers.
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Qira'at and riwaya: the readings of the Qur'an
The Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad with several ways of reading. These different ways are called qira'at. The word "qira'at" comes from the verb "qaraï", which means "to read". There are ten major qira'at, and seven of them are called the qira'at mutawatira. It is a scholarly term that means "transmitted continuously" from the Prophet Muhammad.
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Among these qira'at, the Qur'an Hafs is the most well-known. Qira'at other than Hafs, such as Warsh or ad-Duri, also exist. But Hafs is used everywhere in the world. Each qira'at has its own rules of tajwid and its own pronunciations. These differences are minimal, but they change the sound of the Qur'an.
The "riwaya" is the transmission of a specific reading. It comes from a primary transmitter, called the "raowi". Hafs is a raowi who transmitted the reading of his master Asim. It is for this reason that we say "the riwaya of Hafs according to Asim".
The scholars of Islam have accepted all of these qira'at. It is a beautiful richness of the Qur'an. Each qira'at is correct and comes from the Qur'an. Scholars say that the diversity of qira'at is a mercy for the believers. This means that if you read according to one qira'at, it is correct.
What Hafs Means: History and Importance
Hafs ibn Sulayman was a Quranic scholar who lived in the 8th century. He studied Quranic recitation under his teacher Asim ibn Abi an-Nujud. Asim was a great specialist of the Quran. He knew how to properly pronounce and read each verse. Hafs learned from him for a long time. Then, Hafs transmitted this recitation to his students.
Over the centuries, Hafs's recitation spread everywhere. It became popular in Egypt, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, 95% of Muslims use the riwaya of Hafs. It is the standard recitation for most Quranic learning schools.
Why did Hafs become so popular? It is because his transmission is clear and easy to learn. The other riwayat are equally correct, but Hafs was easier to teach. Little by little, Quranic masters preferred Hafs.
Today, when we talk about the Quran, we often speak of the Hafs Quran by default. If someone says "I am learning the Quran," we generally understand that they are learning the Hafs Quran. It is like the common Arabic language which is also called the standard riwaya.
How to Choose Your Mushaf: Formats and Characteristics
The Mushaf is the Quran book that you hold in your hands. It exists in several different formats. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on your needs.
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Available formats: The smallest format is the pocket Mushaf. It measures 8 by 12 centimeters. It is light and easy to carry everywhere. You can put it in a bag or pocket. It is perfect if you travel a lot. The medium format measures about 14 by 20 centimeters. It is a good size for comfortable reading at home. The letters are neither too small nor too large. The large format measures 17 by 24 centimeters. The letters are larger and easier to read. It is good for elderly people or those who have vision problems. The extra-large format measures 35 by 50 centimeters. This is a Mushaf for two people. It is ideal for placing in a mosque or classroom.
Available scripts: The Uthmani script is the most traditional. It is the style that the ancients used. The Indo-Pakistani script is used mainly in India and Pakistan. It is slightly different from the Uthmani script.
Special aids: Many modern mushafs have tajweed colors. These colors help you learn how to pronounce correctly. Some mushafs have a subject index. This helps you quickly find a topic in the Quran. For example, if you are looking for verses about mercy, you find them right away. A leather case with a zipper protects your Mushaf. This keeps it clean and in good condition for longer.
Before buying, think about how you will use the Mushaf. Do you want to carry it with you? Then, the small format is better. Do you want to read at home? Then, the medium format is good. Do you have trouble reading small letters? Then, a large format is preferable.
Quran Tajweed Hafs Zipped Leather Case 8x12cm
Pocket format perfect for memorization and daily reading. With tajweed colors, subject index and protective zipped leather case.
8,00 €
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Quran Tajweed Arabic Hafs 12x17cm
Intermediate format with excellent print clarity. Ideal for comfortable home reading with the Quran word index.
16,00 €
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Quran Tajweed Large Format 35x50cm
The largest format for maximum and comfortable reading. Perfect for families, mosques and those who want an exceptional reading experience.
120,00 €
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is qira'at?
Qira'at is a way of reading the Quran. The Quran has several correct ways to read it. Each way is called a qira'at. There are ten major qira'at accepted by all scholars.
Why is Hafs the most popular?
Hafs is popular because its transmission is clear and easy to teach. Approximately 95% of Muslims use the Hafs riwaya. It has become the standard in most Muslim countries.
What is the difference between Hafs and other riwayat?
The differences are minimal. They mainly concern the pronunciation of certain letters and the lengthening of vowels. All riwayat are correct. They are different ways of transmitting the same Quran.
Which format should I choose?
It depends on your use. For memorization and travel, choose a small format (8x12 cm). For reading at home, a medium format (14x20 cm) is good. If you have difficulty reading, choose a large format (17x24 cm or larger).
What is the Uthmani script?
The Uthmani script is the traditional way of writing the Quran. It is the style used since the early times of Islam. It is named after the caliph Uthman who standardized the written Quran.
What are the benefits of tajweed colors?
Tajweed colors help in learning how to read the Quran properly. Each color represents a tajweed rule. This makes learning easier and more enjoyable.
Key Points to Remember
- The Hafs Quran is the most used riwaya in the world (95% of Muslims)
- Hafs ibn Sulayman transmitted the recitation of his master Asim ibn Abi an-Nujud
- There are ten major qira'at, all accepted by scholars
- Mushafs exist in several formats: pocket, medium, large and extra-large
- Choose a format according to your needs: travel, home reading or large format
- Tajweed colors help you learn Quranic recitation properly
- The Uthmanic script is the traditional way of writing the Quran
Find the Mushaf that suits you best. Whether you choose a small format or a large format, the important thing is to read and learn the Quran regularly. Invest in a good Mushaf that will motivate you to read every day.
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