Mastering the art of Tajwīd (Qur’ānic Phonetics) is very important in order to be able to recite the Glorious Qur’ān correctly, and the expert in this field plays an important role in the preservation of the Qur’ān.
During the ‘Ālimiyyah Course (or its equivalent) Tajwīd is taught to an intermediary level. The Qirā’ah Specialisation Course builds on this mainly theoretical base and concentrates on developing practical expertise in the established tradition of Qirā’ah (Qur’ānic Rendition). It entails extensive practice in order to develop proficiency in the methods of the seven famous Imams of Qirā’ah, namely:
1. Imam Nafi‘ Madanī as narrated by Qālūn and Warsh.
2. Imam Ibn Kathīr Makkī as narrated by Buzzi and Qumbul.
3. Imam Abū ‘Amr Busrī as narrated by Dūri Busrī and Soosī.
4. Imam Ibn ‘Āmir Shāmi as narrated by Hishām and Ibn Zukwān.
5. Imam ‘Āsim Kufī as narrated by Shu’bāh and Hafs.
6. Imam Hamzāh Kufī as narrated by Khalaf and Khallād.
7. Imam Kasā’ī as narrated by Abul Hārith and Dūri ‘Alī.
Mastering the art of Qirā’ah according to the seven famous recitations requires two years of advanced study building on a solid grounding in Tajwīd.
Course Structure
Having completed the theoretical components of Tajwīd, students on the Qirā’ah Specialisation Course dedicate their time to developing their practical skills of Qur’ānic Rendition. This involves extensive practice under the guidance of an expert tutor.
Students on the Course study and practice on their own to reach standards set by their tutor. Progress is assessed through regular contact sessions with their tutor.