Overview:

It is a department of the College of Da'wa and Usul-ud-Din, Umm Al-Qura University. It is also one of the earliest academic departments in the College. It was established by virtue of the decision taken by the college's board in its fourth session held on Shaban 26, 1402AH. The Courses started at the beginning of the second semester of 1402/1403 AH, when only male students were admitted into the Department, until 1420 AH. During the early years, the number of enrollees was very small, so that a class would comprise seven students or slightly more. Afterwards, the number of enrollees increased largely till it became 35 students in the latest classes.

In1421AH, after approving the establishment of a branch for girls, the Department started to enroll girls. There was very large numbers of female applicants (88 girls), in comparison with male students. Memorization of the Holy Quran and successful fulfillment of the interview were set as prerequisites for girls' admission.

The girls' branch of this department is considered as a source of pride and prestige for Umm Al-Qura University. This is because it is the only department through which girls can learn Qira'at (Recitations) and its sciences across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the other Saudi and world universities do not have a separate department for girls where they can receive such field of study.

In addition, courses are given by a number of male and female professors (nearly 66 professors). Thus, we come to know that, some years ago, Qira'at was a rarely-handled field. However, greater numbers of students have started to enroll, thanks to the perseverant and serious academic efforts exerted by the Department.

The department teaches its students the ten Qira'at in six levels through the chain of Ash-Shaatibiyyah and in two levels through Al-Durrah. Also, it teaches the ten major Qira'at in six levels divided between the master and the Ph.D degrees.

The Bachelor's degree prerequisites include:

Scripting of Qur’an (Rasm Al Quran in two levels) - Dabt (Verification) in one level - Taujih Qira'at in two levels - Al Fawasil in one level. The department provides the subject of Holy Quran in four levels for all UQU's students. In additin, three levels of the Holy Quran's subject are given to the sudents of the Departments of the Quran and Sunnah, Aqidah, Da'wa. Also, it provides an Introductino to Qira'at in the Colleges of Da'wa and Usul-ud-Din, Arabic Language and Social Sciences.

Objectives:

1- Reviving the tradition of memorizing the Holy Glorious Qur'an and learning Qira'at from the authenticated sheikhs, generation after generation.

2- Reviving the science of Qira'at and spreading it among those who seek knowledge.

3- Studying the ten minor Qira'at through the chain of  Ash-Shaatibiyyah and Al-Durah, in addition to the ten major Qira'at through the chain of Taybat.

4- Qualifying students of the Department in the different Qira'at branches. 

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Conditions of admission:

The conditions specified in the regulations of new student admission also apply, including Articles (2, 3 and 4) and the operational rules as well as the university testing and Umm Al-Qura University's rules, in addition to:

1. The earnest memorization of the Holy Qur'an.

2. The fulfillment of the interview requirements.

Master's conditions of admission:

1. The applicant shall have the bachelor's degree certificate or an equivalent in the field of Qira'at.

2. The applicant shall have the bachelor's degree certificate or an equivalent in any of Shari'ah fields; provided that the student has an Ijaza (shall be a licentiate) in the seven Qira'at approved by a recognized Qur'an reciter.

3. The student shall pass the written exams and interviews held by the department.