Polemics · Islam · Manuscripts

Qur’ānic variant readings.

The claim that the Qur’ān has been preserved “letter for letter” is testable. Below are documented variants between transmission lines — primarily Ḥafṣ ʿan ʿĀṣim and Warsh ʿan Nāfiʿ — organised by type, with photographs and references.

Section 1

Ḥafṣ vs. Warsh — eleven types.

Tap a type to load its plate. Each plate compares the same passage as transmitted in the two best-known qirāʾāt today.

Type A variant
Type B variant
Type C variant
Type D variant
Type E variant
Type F variant
Type G variant
Type H variant
Type I variant
Type J variant
Type K variant
Section 2

Other documented differences.

Specific āyāt where transmission lines diverge in wording, meaning, or both.

Qur'an variant Sūrah 3:146
Sūrah 3 · Āl ʿImrān, verse 146
Qur'an variant Sūrah 43:19
Sūrah 43 · Az-Zukhruf, verse 19
Qur'an variant Sūrah 46:15
Sūrah 46 · Al-Aḥqāf, verse 15
Qur'an variant Sūrah 98:6
Sūrah 98 · Al-Bayyinah, verse 6

Research drawn from the work of Dr. Jay Smith, Br. Al Fadi, and Hatun Tash.

Disagree? Bring the manuscripts.

If you can document a transmission that resolves these readings without admitting variation, send it. Photographs of folios, isnād chains, manuscript catalogue entries — primary evidence only.

Send evidence Other resources