In this article
- The Ten Reciters and Their Narrators
- Sughra and Kubra: What Is the Difference?
- Who Is Ready to Study the Qiraat?
- How Online Qiraat Study Works
- Why a Connected Sanad Matters
- Studying Online from Anywhere
- How Long Does It Take?
- Benefits of Studying the Qiraat
- Learning Warsh
- Fees and Getting Started
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Ten Qiraat are the ten authentic, mass-transmitted ways of reciting the Quran, each named after a leading reciter and passed down through two main narrators. Studying them is an advanced path for students who have already mastered recitation, usually in the narration of Hafs from Asim. Today, students can study the Ten Qiraat online, one-to-one, with teachers who hold a connected Sanad.
The Ten Reciters and Their Narrators
| Reciter (Imam) | Two main narrators |
|---|---|
| Nafi’ | Qalun and Warsh |
| Ibn Kathir | Al-Bazzi and Qunbul |
| Abu ‘Amr | Ad-Duri and As-Susi |
| Ibn ‘Amir | Hisham and Ibn Dhakwan |
| ‘Asim | Shu’bah and Hafs |
| Hamzah | Khalaf and Khallad |
| Al-Kisa’i | Abu Al-Harith and Ad-Duri |
| Abu Ja’far | Ibn Wardan and Ibn Jammaz |
| Ya’qub | Ruways and Rawh |
| Khalaf Al-‘Ashir | Ishaq and Idris |
The first seven are known as the Seven Qiraat; the last three complete the ten. Hafs from Asim is the narration most widely read today, and Warsh from Nafi’ is widely read in North and West Africa.
Sughra and Kubra: What Is the Difference?
- Al-Qiraat Al-Sughra (the “minor” Ten Qiraat): the ten readings through the routes of the two classical poems, Ash-Shatibiyyah (for the seven) and Ad-Durrah (for the three).
- Al-Qiraat Al-Kubra (the “major” Ten Qiraat): the ten readings through the many routes collected in Taybat An-Nashr by Ibn Al-Jazari, which is broader and more detailed.
Students usually begin with the Sughra. The Kubra is a further stage for those who want the fuller range of routes. At Elbayan Academy, advanced students can study both the Sughra and the Kubra.
Who Is Ready to Study the Qiraat?
- Strong, accurate recitation: mastery of Tajweed in one narration, usually Hafs.
- Memorization: most teachers expect the student to have memorized the Quran, or a large part of it, because the readings are learned by comparing them verse by verse.
- Knowledge of the basic rules: students often study the relevant poem or a summary of its rules alongside recitation.
- Time and commitment: the Qiraat are studied over a long period with regular classes.
If you are not there yet, the usual path is to complete Tajweed and Hifz first, and then an Ijazah in Hafs from Asim.
How Online Qiraat Study Works
- Assessment: the teacher listens to your recitation and checks your readiness.
- Foundations (usul): the general rules of each reciter, such as lengths of madd, imalah and treatment of hamzah.
- Specific differences (farsh): word-by-word differences, studied surah by surah.
- Recitation to the teacher: you recite each passage according to the readings being studied, with correction.
- Review: regular revision so the readings stay distinct and accurate.
Why a Connected Sanad Matters
The Qiraat are learned by listening and reciting to a teacher, as they have been transmitted from teacher to student over the centuries. A teacher with a connected Sanad has received the recitation in this way. At Elbayan Academy, all teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University and hold an Ijazah with a connected Sanad.
Studying Online from Anywhere
One-to-one, 30-minute classes run 24/7, which allows advanced students in the Gulf, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia to study with a qualified teacher without travelling. Many Qiraat students choose 16 classes a month, because steady, frequent recitation is important at this level. Classes are taught in English, Arabic and French.
How Long Does It Take?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on how well the student has memorized the Quran, how many classes they take each week, whether they study the Sughra or the Kubra, and how much time they spend revising. The Qiraat are a long-term study, and steady weekly progress matters more than speed. The teacher will set goals after the assessment and review them each month.
Benefits of Studying the Qiraat
- A deeper understanding of how the Quran has been preserved and transmitted.
- Much stronger precision in recitation, because every difference must be exact.
- Stronger memorization, through reviewing the whole Quran with careful attention.
- The ability to teach and preserve the readings for others, for those who complete the path.
Learning Warsh
Students from North and West Africa often learn Warsh from Nafi’ first, or want their children to. Teachers at Elbayan Academy also teach the Warsh narration to children. Read more in our guide for students in Nigeria.
Fees and Getting Started
Classes are $5 per 30-minute session, with plans of $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16. Start with a free trial class so the teacher can assess your level and recommend the right starting point. Message us on WhatsApp to ask about Qiraat study for your level. See also our online Hifz classes and recitation and Tajweed course.
For families who read Warsh, see online Warsh Quran classes for kids.
Start with a Free Trial Class
Elbayan Academy teaches one-to-one, 30-minute online classes with certified teachers from Al-Azhar University, each holding an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Female teachers are available, classes run 24/7, and you receive a monthly progress report. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16. Book a free trial class on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ten Qiraat?
They are the ten authentic, mass-transmitted ways of reciting the Quran, each named after a leading reciter and transmitted through two main narrators.
What is the difference between Qiraat Sughra and Kubra?
The Sughra covers the ten readings through Ash-Shatibiyyah and Ad-Durrah; the Kubra covers the wider routes collected in Taybat An-Nashr by Ibn Al-Jazari.
Do I need to memorize the Quran before studying the Qiraat?
Most teachers expect strong Tajweed and memorization of the Quran or a large part of it. The teacher will assess your readiness.
Can I study the Ten Qiraat online?
Yes. At Elbayan Academy, advanced students can study both the Sughra and the Kubra in one-to-one online classes.
Do the teachers have a Sanad?
Yes. All teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University and hold an Ijazah with a connected Sanad.
