10 Stages of Maqamat Quran or Qirat Quran

The Quran was revealed in the Arabic language, in the dialect of Quraish who were the noble tribe of Makkah. It has remained unchanged since its revelation more than 1400 years ago. However, over the centuries, the styles of Quran recitation have evolved into 10 authorized methods. These are called the 10 Maqamat or Qira'at of Quran.

Maqam means level or stage. The 10 stages of maqamat Quran define the different pronunciation rules used when reciting. Each maqam is named after the famous imam or reciter of Quran who narrated it from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Let us explore the 10 maqamat or Qirat of Quran recitation:

Maqam of Hafs

The most widespread maqam today is the maqam narrated by Hafs bin Sulayman al-Asadi (d. 180 AH). He learned this style from Asim bin Abi al-Najud al-Asadi, who was one of the seven famous reciters in the generation after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

This maqam is common in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and many other countries. It is known for its smooth style of recitation.

Maqam of Shu'ba

The maqam narrated by Abu Bakr Shu'ba bin Ayyash al-Yamani al-Kufi (d. 193 AH) is popular in North and West Africa. He learned it from the companions Ibn Abbas and Abu Hurairah.

This style is marked by a relatively faster tempo and articulate pronunciation of letters.

Maqam of Hisham

This maqam was transmitted by Hisham bin Ammar al-Damishqi (d. 245 AH) from Ibn Amer. He was based in Damascus.

The recitation style emphasizes elongation of vowels and shows influence of Aramaic pronunciation. It is common in parts of the Levant, Iraq, and Russia.

Maqam of Ibn Dhakwaan

The reciter Ali bin Abdullah Jabir al-Kisaani (d. 229 AH), also known as Ibn Dhakwaan, narrated this maqam from scholars of Kufa.

It is marked by use of vowels between consonants and a melodious tempo. This style has retained old Arabic features and is popular in parts of Turkey and Central Asia.

Maqam of Abu Amr

This maqam was narrated by Abu Amr Zabban bin al-Ala al-Mazeni (d. 154 AH) based in Basra. He learned it from companion Abu Musa al-Ashari.

Its key features are strong pronunciation of letters and short vowels. It is common in some parts of Syria and Arabia.

Maqam of Ibn Kathir

The famous scholar Abdullah bin Kathir al-Makki (d. 120 AH) passed down this maqam from companion Abdullah bin Abbas.

It involves prolonging of vowels and clear pronunciations in a melodious style. This style is popular in parts of Arabia and Pakistan.

Maqam of Abu Ja'far

This maqam was narrated by Abu Ja'far Yazid bin al-Qa'qa' al-Mazeni (d. 130 AH) who studied it from companions Ibn Abbas and Abdullah bin Masud.

It uses a relatively faster tempo and reads vowels clearly. This style has retained unique old Arabic reciting features. It is popular in Libya and some parts of Arabia.

Maqam of Ya'qub

The reciter Ya'qub bin Ishaq al-Hadrami al-Basri (d. 205 AH) narrated this style of maqam. He studied under famous tabieen scholars.

It is marked by clarity in pronouncing letters and elongating short vowels. This maqam is common in Yemen and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Maqam of Khalaf

This maqam was transmitted by Khalaf bin Hisham al-Bazzar (d. 229 AH) based in Kufa. He studied it from scholars like Suleiman bin Mahran al-Asadi.

It pronounces letters clearly with emphasis on hard consonants like 'qaf'. This relatively less common reciting style is used by some communities in Turkey and South Asia.

Maqam of Yaqub al-Hashimi

The final authorized maqam was narrated by Yaqub bin Ishaq al-Hashimi (d. 205 AH) who studied in Basra and Egypt.

His style involves elongation of words recited and clear distinction between consonants and vowels. It is practiced rarely today in parts of Egypt and Sudan.

Conclusion

The diverse 10 maqamat of Quran recitation represent the remarkable oral tradition that has preserved the divine revelation over centuries. Learning and mastering the maqamat discipline the tongue and beautify your voice in Quran to recite melodiously as intended by Allah.

While multiple styles are permitted, they all maintain the integrity of every word and verse of the Holy Quran. The guided traditions of qira'at ensure that Quran remains unchanged, holding its glory and essence through time.