6/48. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 819a — Gabriel Taught Seven Modes of Recitation
The clarification that the Qur’an was revealed in seven ahruf (modes of recitation), and clarifying its meaning
Seven Modes of Qur'an Recitation: Gabriel Taught the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم
Sahih Muslim : 819a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 819a
وَحَدَّثَنِي حَرْمَلَةُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي يُونُسُ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، حَدَّثَنِي عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُتْبَةَ، أَنَّ ابْنَ عَبَّاسٍ، حَدَّثَهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " أَقْرَأَنِي جِبْرِيلُ - عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ - عَلَى حَرْفٍ فَرَاجَعْتُهُ فَلَمْ أَزَلْ أَسْتَزِيدُهُ فَيَزِيدُنِي حَتَّى انْتَهَى إِلَى سَبْعَةِ أَحْرُفٍ " . قَالَ ابْنُ شِهَابٍ بَلَغَنِي أَنَّ تِلْكَ السَّبْعَةَ الأَحْرُفَ إِنَّمَا هِيَ فِي الأَمْرِ الَّذِي يَكُونُ وَاحِدًا لاَ يَخْتَلِفُ فِي حَلاَلٍ وَلاَ حَرَامٍ .
Ibn 'Abbas Narrated from:
Ibn 'Abbas reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Gabriel taught me to recite in one style. I replied to him and kept asking him to give more (styles), till he reached seven modes (of recitation). Ibn Shibab said: It has reached me that these seven styles are essentially one, not differing about what is permitted and what is forbidden.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 819aIn-book reference : Book 6, Hadith 330USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 1785
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 819a
This hadith about seven modes of Qur'an recitation explains the matter from the words of Ibn 'Abbas. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said Gabriel taught him to recite in one style. He kept asking Gabriel for more, and the increase continued until it reached seven modes of recitation. The report also includes a statement from Ibn Shihab that these seven styles are in a matter that remains one and does not differ about what is permitted and what is forbidden. The Hadith gives a calm way to understand variety in recitation. It is not presented as disorder or conflict. It is shown as something taught through Gabriel and allowed as ease. For searches like seven ahruf hadith and Gabriel taught Quran recitation, this narration is a central text.
What we learn from this hadith
- Gabriel first taught one style, then more were granted.
- The increase reached seven modes of recitation.
- Ibn Shihab's statement says the modes do not differ about halal and haram.
- The Hadith presents recitation variety as taught and allowed.
