An Analysis of the Variations in the Seven Qirāʾāt in the Interpretation of Sūrat Ṭāhā

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Theology (Orientation in Quranic and Hadith Sciences), Theology Department, Ilam University, Iran:

2 Associate Professor of the Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Ilam University:

3 Assistant Professor of the Department of Quranic Sciences and Recitation Techniques at the Quran and Hadith Higher Educational Complex, Al-Mustafa International University (MIU), Qom, Iran. (Corresponding Author)

Abstract

The accurate interpretation of Qurānic verses has always been a fundamental necessity for the Islamic community throughout history. A proper interpretation requires adherence to and mastery of the sciences and principles specific to Qurānic exegesis. Among the sciences of the Qurān, the first to develop was the science of Qirāʾāt (recitations), which has long been of interest to Qurānic exegetes. This science, in addition to establishing the principles and rules of recitation, examines different phonetic renderings of Qurānic words to determine the most appropriate and accurate recitation based on linguistic structure, sentence context, and semantic coherence. Based on data collection and employing a descriptive-analytical method, the present study examines the instances of qirāʾāt variations in Sūrat Ṭāhā according to the seven canonical recitations (Qurrāʾ al-Sabʿah) and their differences compared to the Ḥafṣ recitation. The analysis reveals that 27 verses in this sūrah exhibit recitational differences. Of these, 18 cases impact the meaning, while 9 cases do not alter the meaning. Additionally, one instance presents a distinct exegetical interpretation of the verse. However, these semantic variations ultimately convey a unified concept of the verse, often involving only minor differences that do not affect the core meaning. The findings of this study indicate that by analyzing the contextual flow of verses, semantic coherence, morphological and syntactic rules, and related linguistic factors, researchers can be guided toward the most accurate recitation, which aligns with the widely accepted mutawātir recitation.

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Main Subjects

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 November 2023
  • Revise Date: 20 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 12 April 2024

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