Ubayy b. Ka‘b told of God’s messenger meeting Gabriel and saying, “I have been sent, Gabriel, to a people who are unlettered, among whom are old women and old men, boys and girls, and men who have never read a book.” He replied, “The Qur’ān, Muhammad, has been sent down in seven modes." In a version by Ahmad and Abū Dāwūd he said, “They include only what is sufficiently health-giving.” In a version by Nasā’i the Prophet is quoted as saying that Gabriel and Michael came to him, and when Gabriel had sat down at his right and Michael at his left, Gabriel told him to recite the Qur’ān in one mode, and Michael told him to ask more, till he reached seven modes, each mode being sufficiently health-giving.Tirmidhī transmitted it.
The Excellent Qualities of the Qur'an - Mishkat al-Masabih 2215
This narration from Ubayy ibn Ka'b, transmitted by Tirmidhi and others, reveals the profound divine wisdom behind the revelation of the Qur'an in seven modes (ahruf). The Prophet's concern for his ummah's diverse capabilities - including the elderly, youth, and illiterate - demonstrates Allah's infinite mercy in accommodating varying levels of comprehension and recitation abilities.
Divine Accommodation for Human Diversity
The seven modes represent different dialects and slight variations in wording that preserve the same essential meaning, making the Qur'an accessible to all Arabs regardless of their tribal linguistic backgrounds. This divine concession reflects the principle of taysir (facilitation) in Islamic legislation.
The description "sufficiently health-giving" (shafiyah) indicates that each mode provides complete spiritual healing and guidance. This multiplicity doesn't imply contradiction but rather enrichment, similar to how different prescriptions can treat the same illness effectively.
Angelic Confirmation of Revelation
The presence of both Gabriel and Michael at the Prophet's sides signifies the utmost importance of this revelation. Gabriel as the primary revealer and Michael as supporter demonstrates heavenly consensus on the permissibility of multiple recitations.
The progressive increase from one to seven modes shows the Prophet's concern for his community's ease, continually seeking greater accommodation until reaching the optimal number that balances preservation with accessibility.