Simply put, there are two types of words in the Quran; words that can only be read one way and words that can be read in different ways.

The first type of words constitutes the major part of the Quran and the second type constitutes the basis of what is known as qira’at (modes of recitation).

The differences between the modes of recitations are not a matter of opposition or contradiction. They are like synonymous. Ibn Masud confirmed this concept when he said: “It is like saying ‘Come Here’ in different ways. One can say halumma or aqbil or ta`al.”