Why is the Hafs reading of the Qur'an so prevalent?
The Hafs reading of the Qur'an is prevalent for several reasons, primarily due to its historical significance and the endorsement it received from key Islamic authorities. The recitation by Hafs an-Asim is one of the most widely accepted and practiced readings among Muslims today.
One reason for its prevalence is that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ indicated that the Qur'an was revealed in multiple readings or modes. For instance, a narration describes an episode where 'Umar ibn al-Khattab encountered Hisham ibn Hakim reciting Surah Al-Furqan differently than how he had learned it from the Prophet ﷺ. 'Umar brought Hisham to the Prophet, who confirmed, This is how it was revealed. The Qur'an was revealed in seven letters, so read whichever is easier for you.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 46:17. This endorsement by the Prophet ﷺ established the legitimacy of various readings, including that of Hafs.
Furthermore, the Hafs reading gained prominence through its transmission by well-respected scholars throughout Islamic history, allowing it to become the standard reading in many parts of the Muslim world. Its accessibility and ease of recitation contributed to its widespread adoption as well.
In summary, the prevalence of the Hafs reading can be attributed to its endorsement by the Prophet ﷺ, the historical transmission by credible scholars, and its ease of recitation, making it a preferred choice for many Muslims around the world.
Sources
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Sunan al-Tirmidhi 46:17
Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Book 46, Hadith 17 · Narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab
I passed by Hisham ibn Hakim ibn Hizam while he was reciting Surah Al-Furqan during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him). I listened and found that he was reciting it in many variant letters which the Prophet (peace be upon him) had not recited to me. I was about to seize him in the prayer, but I watched until he completed. When he finished, I pulled his cloak and asked, 'Who taught you this recitation of the Surah I heard you recite?' He said, 'The Messenger of Allah taught me.' I said, 'You lie! By Allah, the Messenger of Allah did not teach me this Surah as you recite it.' I hurried to lead him to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, 'O Messenger of Allah, I heard this man reciting Surah Al-Furqan in letters that you did not teach me, but you taught me differently.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Send him, O Umar, let Hisham recite.' He recited the reading I had heard. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'This is how it was revealed.' Then he said to me, 'Recite, O Umar.' I recited the reading the Prophet had taught me. The Prophet said, 'This is how it was revealed. The Qur'an was revealed in seven letters, so read whichever is easier for you.'
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