What is the ruling on reciting variations of the Quran not included in Uthman's compilation?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is not appropriate to recite readings outside the Uthmanic Mushaf in prayer because the Quran's established text relies on *tawatur*, which these differing recitations lack, thus failing to establish them definitively as the Quran. The Companions used to pray with these differing recitations before and after Uthman compiled the Mushaf, and none of them deemed it forbidden or invalidating to their prayers.
Supporting text
If one prays using a variant reading whose narration is sound and its chain of transmission is connected, there are two opinions: one is that the prayer is not valid for that reason, and the second is that it is valid, given that the Companions prayed with these readings during the era of the Prophet and afterward, and their prayers were valid without doubt. Evidence supports accepting variant authentic readings, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated, "Whoever loves to recite the Quran fresh as it was revealed, let him recite it according to the recitation of Ibn Umm 'Abd [Ibn Mas'ud]."