Ahruf

According to Sunni hadith حَدِيث‎ literature, the Quran is revealed in seven Ahruf أَحْرُف‎ (the plural of harf حَرْف‎). Ahruf are distinct from Qira'at قِرَاءَات‎.

88995

Ahruf . Qur'an . Sunni-Shi'a . Qira'at
I understand that the Sunni's believe in seven Ahruf versions of the Quran. Is this true? If so, and while knowing that the Shia don't believe in this idea, does this imply that the Qur'an has not been preserved?
Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answer updated 5 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

At first we must differentiate between the seven methods of recitation of the Quran, and the concept of the descending of the Quran in seven letters or styles (aḥruf). The first is called al-qirā'āt al-sab', and the second is called nuzūl al-Qurān 'ala sab' at ahruf.

In regards to the concept of the Quran coming down in seven letters, the Shi'a view of this is that it is a myth and cannot be accepted. 

As for what does the word ḥarf  here mean, Sunni scholars have mentioned up to forty views for this. 

As for the Quran being preserved, this is the strong opinion of Shia Ulama. 

Please read this information, from al-Bayan, by the late A.U. Seyid Khoei.

https://www.introducingislam.org/info/7harfs/7harfs3.php
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60291

Qira'at . Qur'an . Sunni-Shi'a . Ahruf
What is the Shi'a understanding of the different Qira'at of the Quran? Why do they exist? What is the difference between these Qira'at and the Sunni belief of seven "Ahruf" of the Quran?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 6 years ago

There is big difference between Qira'aat and Ahruf. Qira'aat are ways of reciting the same words of Quran according to the axon of different Arab tribes. Qira'aat keep the meaning same with slight different way of pronouncing the words .

Ahruf (plural of Harf) means different wordings. This claim of Ahruf was condemned by Ahlul Bayt (AS) who clearly said that Quran was sent from One Allah, on One Prophet, through One Angle and on one word not more.

From al-Fudhail Ibn Yasaar said: I told Abi Abdillah (Al-Sadiq A.S.): People say that Quran was revealed on seven Ahruf (words). He said: They are liars, enemies f Allah. Quran was revealed on One Word from The One . (Kitab Al-Kaafi).

We do not believe in more than one Harf of Quran which means one wordings not more. Different wordings means different meanings which is false claim.

Wassalam.
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