Are the Qira'ats reliable?

Question

I found this quote from an anti-Islamic website :

"The opinion of the majority is that these readings are Mutawatir. However, one opinion is that they are Mashhur28 …. The truth in this regard is that they are Mutawatir from these seven [Qurr’a]. As far as their Tawatur from the Prophet (sws) is concerned, this is debatable. For the chain of narrators of these seven are found in the books of Qira‘at. These chains are transmission from a single person to another and do not fulfil the condition of Tawatur neither from the first narrator to the last nor in between. (Zarkashi, Burhan, 2nd ed., vol. 1, [Beirut: Daru’l-Fikr, 1980] p. 319)"

Can someone shed some light on this matter? Did some Imams including Zarkashi had reservations on the textual veracity of the Qur'an?

Answer 1

The Qur’an was revealed in 7 different dialects as mentioned by the Prophet (saw) himself, and the various Qira’aat are simply different mixes of these 7 dialects which most Muslims around the world recite today. The Qur’an was revealed in 7 different dialects as mentioned by the Prophet (saw) himself, and the various Mutawaatir Qira’aat are simply different mixes of these 7 dialects. We all read from these Qira’aat during our prayers all over the world, and there is no doubt in the authenticity of what we read.

The style of the Qur’an is a miracle that cannot be replicated, and it is impossible for a human being to have composed it, otherwise countless people would have replicated its style by now.

I suggest you read this for a more explanation, it has more detail with evidences.