Colored Qur’ānic Manuscripts and Their Impact on Mastering the Science of Qur’ānic Recitations (Qirāʾāt)

Abstract

Muslim scholars have long dedicated significant efforts to enhancing the Qur'an's recitations, employing scientific and technological advancements in the process. This study focuses on the types of colored Qur'ans available that aid in the study of Qur'anic recitations. While some of these editions specialize in presenting a single narration or recitation, others include the ten minor readings (al-'ashara al-sughra) according to the al-Shatibiyya and al-Durra, or the ten major readings (al-'ashara al-kubra) according to the Tayyiba al-Nashr, with some even combining the ten major readings with the four irregular (shaadh) ones. Each Qur'an utilizes unique color-coding systems to distinguish variant readings (farshiyyat) and foundational principles (usul), which are discussed in detail. The research also highlights editions that incorporate examples from al-Shatibiyya and al-Tayyiba al-Nashr, along with scholarly clarifications (tahqiqaat), making these versions particularly valuable for students. The use of colors in these Qur'an enhances learning by engaging multiple senses, improving memory retention, and helping students recognize differences within a single recitation or among multiple readings without needing to refer to specialized texts. Additionally, these colored Qur'ans prevent the mixing of recitations and simplify the study of different recitational aspects. The Qur'ans that include the ten major readings and the four irregular readings offer significant value to scholars in various fields, such as Qur'anic Exegesis (tafsir), jurisprudence (fiqh), hadith, and linguistics, by providing a comprehensive resource that eliminates the need to consult classical texts. In conclusion, colored Qur'ans cater to human nature's inherent affinity for visual stimuli, streamlining the learning process and saving time for students, making the study of Qur'anic recitations (Qira'at) more efficient and accessible.