I heard Hisham b. Hakim (b. Hizam) reciting Surah al-Furqan in a different manner from my way of reciting, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had taught me to recite it. I nearly spoke sharply to him, but I delayed till he had finished. Then I caught his cloak at the neck, and I brought him to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). I said: Messenger of Allah, I heard this man reciting Surah al-Furqan in a manner different from that in which you taught me to recite it. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) the told him to recite it. He then recited in the manner I heard him recite. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Thus was it sent down. He then said to me: Recite, I recited (it). He then said: Thus was it sent down. He said: The Qur'an was sent down in seven modes of reading, so recite according to what comes most easily.
The Incident of Variant Recitations
This narration from Umar ibn al-Khattab demonstrates the divine wisdom in permitting multiple authentic recitations (qira'at) of the Qur'an. The Companion's initial reaction of nearly speaking sharply reveals the natural human inclination to protect religious texts from alteration, yet his restraint exemplifies proper Islamic etiquette.
The Seven Ahruf (Modes)
The Prophet's affirmation of both recitations as divinely revealed confirms the doctrine of the seven ahruf - different dialectical variations in which the Qur'an was revealed to accommodate various Arab tribes. This facilitated easier memorization and recitation while preserving the same essential meaning.
Scholars explain these modes include variations in pronunciation, grammatical forms, and slight wording differences - all tracing back to authentic revelation through Jibril (AS) to Muhammad (ﷺ).
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the permissibility of using any authentic qira'ah in prayer and study. The instruction to "recite according to what comes most easily" demonstrates Islam's practical nature, removing unnecessary hardship while maintaining textual integrity.
This incident also teaches proper methodology in addressing differences - bringing matters to qualified scholars rather than personal confrontation, thus preserving community harmony.
Preservation of Qira'at
Through chains of expert reciters (qurra'), these variant readings have been meticulously preserved. Major scholars like Abu Amr al-Dani and Ibn al-Jazari systematically documented the authentic transmissions, ensuring no corruption entered the divine text through its multiple recitational forms.