Word: "Al-Sirat" — appears in Al-Fatiha and many surahs.
Three readings:
- Al-Sirat with Sad: Hafs from Asim, Ibn Amir (Hisham) — most widespread
- Al-Sirat with Sin: Warsh from Nafi', Qunbul from Ibn Kathir, Abu Amr in some paths
- Between Sad and Zay (ishmam): Khalaf from Hamza in some paths — pronouncing Sad with a hint of Zay
Linguistic basis:
The root word is "sirat" from "sarat" (to swallow) — the road swallows those who travel it. Arabs substituted Sad for Sin due to proximity in articulation with emphatic letters. The Zay ishmam was a third dialect variant.
All are mutawatir and valid: Ibn Al-Jazari confirmed all three are Quran descended.
Question: List the three readings of "al-sirat" and who recites each.
Answer: (1) With Sad: Hafs and Ibn Amir. (2) With Sin: Warsh and Qunbul. (3) Sad with Zay ishmam: Khalaf from Hamza.