When I was in the mosque a man entered and prayed and recited in a manner to which I objected. Afterwards a man entered and recited in a manner different from the other. When we had finished the prayer we all went to visit God’s messenger, and I said, “This man recited in a manner to which I objected and the other entered and recited in a manner different from his.” The Prophet then commanded them to recite, and when they had done so he expressed approval of both of them. This made me inclined to tell him he was wrong, even to an extent I had never reached in the pre-Islamic period; and when God’s messenger noticed how I was affected he gave me a pat on the chest, whereupon I broke into a sweat and was filled with fear as though I were looking at God. He then said to me, “A message was sent to me, Ubayy, to recite the Qur’ān in one mode, but when I replied that I wished matters to be made easy for my people, a second message instructed me to recite it in two modes. Again I replied that I wished matters to be made easy for my people, and a third message instructed me to recite it in seven modes, I being told at the same time that I might ask something for each reply I had received. I therefore said, ‘O God, forgive my people. O God, forgive my people;’ and I have delayed the third request till the day when all creatures, even including Abraham, seek my intercession." Muslim transmitted it.
The Excellence of the Qur'an's Seven Modes
This narration from Ubayy ibn Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with him) reveals the divine wisdom behind the revelation of the Qur'an in seven modes (ahruf). The Prophet's repeated request for ease for his ummah demonstrates his profound mercy and concern for the varying capacities of his followers in recitation and understanding.
Scholarly Commentary on the Seven Ahruf
The seven modes refer to variations in pronunciation, dialect, and wording that preserve the same essential meaning. This divine concession accommodates different Arab tribes with their linguistic variations while maintaining the sanctity of revelation.
The scholars mention these variations include differences in case endings, verb forms, and synonyms - all while preserving the core message. This flexibility prevented hardship while ensuring the preservation of the Qur'an's miraculous nature.
The Prophet's Intercession for His Ummah
The Prophet's choice to seek forgiveness for his ummah rather than personal honor demonstrates his ultimate concern for his followers' salvation. His reservation of the third request for the Day of Judgment shows his confidence in Allah's promise of intercession (shafa'ah).
This highlights the superiority of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over all prophets, including Abraham (peace be upon him), in terms of intercessory status on the Day of Resurrection.
Spiritual Lessons from Ubayy's Experience
Ubayy's initial objection teaches us about the danger of hastening to judge others' recitation without knowledge. His physical reaction - sweating and fear - demonstrates the profound spiritual impact of divine realization.
This incident teaches humility and cautions against imposing personal preferences in matters where legitimate diversity exists within Islamic tradition.