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

Muslim scholars have long dedicated significant efforts to enhancing the Qur’ān’s recitations, employing scientific and technological advancements in the process. This study focuses on the types of colored Qur’āns available that aid in the study of Qur’ānic recitations. While some of these editions specialize in presenting a single narration or recitation, others include the ten minor readings (al-ʿashara al-ṣughrā) according to the al-Shāṭibiyya and al-Durra, or the ten major readings (al-ʿashara al-kubrā) according to the Ṭayyiba al-Nashr, with some even combining the ten major readings with the four irregular (shaadh) ones. Each Qur’ān utilizes unique color-coding systems to distinguish variant readings (farshiyyat) and foundational principles (uṣūl), which are discussed in detail. The research also highlights editions that incorporate examples from al-Shāṭibiyya and al-Ṭayyiba al-Nashr, along with scholarly clarifications (tahqiqaat), making these versions particularly valuable for students. The use of colors in these Qur’ān 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’āns prevent the mixing of recitations and simplify the study of different recitational aspects. The Qur’āns 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), ḥadīth, and linguistics, by providing a comprehensive resource that eliminates the need to consult classical texts. In conclusion, colored Qur’āns cater to human nature's inherent affinity for visual stimuli, streamlining the learning process and saving time for students, making the study of Qur’ānic recitations (Qirāʾāt) more efficient and accessible.