The course at a glance
| Level | Advanced readers |
|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Readers who recite in Warsh or want to learn it, usually after Hafs, and students from North and West Africa |
| Format | Live 1-on-1 video (one teacher, one student) |
| Class length | 45 or 60 minutes |
| Typical duration | Depends on mastery and classes per week; set after a level test |
| Teaching language | English or Arabic |
| Price | From $25 a month |
What will I learn?
- Imam Nafiʿ and his narrator Warsh (ʿUthman ibn Saʿid al-Misri, d. 197 AH)
- Connected and separated madd at six counts via al-Azraq
- Madd al-badal in three lengths, as in «ءَامَنُوا»
- Moving the hamzah’s vowel to the sākin letter before it (naql), as in «قَدَ افْلَحَ»
- Changing a sākin hamzah into a madd letter, as in «يُومِنُونَ»
- Light rāʾ and heavy lām where Warsh reads them, as in «خَيْرًا» and «الصَّلَوٰةَ»
How is Warsh different from Hafs?
Hafs narrates the reading of ʿAsim of Kufa; Warsh narrates the reading of Nafiʿ of Madinah. They differ in regular rules such as madd lengths, naql, ibdal and the light rāʾ, and in specific words: Warsh reads «مَلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ» without an alif, where Hafs reads «مَالِكِ». Both are authentic, mass-transmitted riwayat.
Key rules of Warsh via al-Azraq
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Connected and separated madd at six counts | jāʾa; bimā unzila |
| Madd al-badal: short, medium or long | āmanū |
| Moving the hamzah’s vowel to the sākin before it (naql) | qada aflaḥa |
| Replacing a sākin hamzah with a madd letter (ibdāl) | yūminūn |
| Heavy lām after ṣād, ṭāʾ and ẓāʾ, with conditions | aṣ-ṣalāh |
| Light rāʾ after a sākin yāʾ or a kasrah | khayran |
| Taqlīl (minor imālah) in known places | Shown by the teacher in the Mushaf |
What happens in a class?
You recite a passage in Warsh, and the teacher stops you at every rule or word where Warsh differs from Hafs, explains it with its example, and sets the verses to practise.
Every week you get a short written report: what was covered, recurring mistakes, and next week’s goal.
Who teaches this course?
This course is taught by teachers specialising in other riwayat. All hold an ijazah with a connected sanad. Our teachers’ specialties
How much does the course cost?
From $25 a month for two 30-minute classes a week, up to $85 for four one-hour classes a week. The price only rises with the number of hours, and every package is one-on-one. There is no registration fee; you can pay by Visa, Mastercard, PayPal or bank transfer, with a full refund within 7 days of payment. All packages and prices
How do I start?
- Book the free trial class with the form or on WhatsApp.
- We reply within 24 hours and suggest a male or female teacher and a time in your time zone.
- In the trial class the teacher checks your level and suggests a plan and number of classes.
- You choose a package and start classes on Zoom or Google Meet.
- Every week you get a written report: what was covered and next week’s goal.
What comes next?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to master Hafs before Warsh?
Not necessarily, but most students find it easier. Students who grew up with Warsh can start with it directly; the teacher decides in the free trial.
Can I get an ijazah in Warsh?
Yes, after a full khatmah with a sheikh who holds an ijazah in Warsh. The ijazah track is priced by plan.
What Mushaf do I use for Warsh?
A Mushaf printed in the Warsh riwayah. Its markings differ: in Maghribi Mushafs fāʾ has a dot below and qāf a single dot above. The teacher sends a digital copy if you don't have one.
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