Reciting the Qur'an in a recitation style different from that in use among people

Q: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the Last of the Prophets. To proceed:The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has reviewed the letter submitted to the Grand Mufty from his Excellency, the Director of the Islamic University in Madinah, no. 301 dated 18/1/1417 A.H. That was referred to the Committee by the Secretariat General of the Council of Senior Scholars no. 626 dated 29/1/1417 A.H. The question is as follows:Attached to the letter a query sent by Al-Nu`man ibn `Abdullah Zubayr about recitation of the Qur'an according to Warsh style, that he heard an Imam reading in the Masjid of the University. He attributed to your Eminence a comment on some Qira’at (recitation styles) (Part No. 3; Page No. 93) that states: "In lectures, Salahs and people's gatherings, the reciter should read the Qur'an in the recitation style of Hafs. It is enough for the person to learn the art of Qira’at in educational institutions, circles of the Qur'an or the like."The issue was referred to the Dean of the Student Affairs Dr. `Awad ibn Ahmad Sultan Al-Shihry with His Eminence's comments attached to it. I wish your Eminence will read this and give us your point of view.

A: After the Committee studied the Fatwa request, it gave the following answer:It is not permissible for the Imam of the Masjid or the reciter to recite the Qur'an in Salah or people's gatherings except in the common recitation style that people know in the relevant locality, whether the people of that locality read the Qur'an according to Hafs, Warsh, Qalun or any other recitation style transmitted by Tawatur (a significant number of narrators whose agreement upon a lie is impossible). That is to avoid distracting and confusing the common people. However, if a man recites the Qur'an in one of the various recitation styles when he is alone or in circles of knowledge for the purpose of learning and teaching this art, it will be good and enough.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.