The Quranic Sakt and Its Rhetorical Implications in the Narration of Hafs from Asim via the Shatibiyyah Pathway

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. in Qur’anic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 PhD student in Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to elucidate the aesthetic values, rhetorical functions, and exegetical significance of the phenomenon of Sakt (breathless pause) across its four consensus positions in the narration of Ḥafṣ from ‘Āṣim via the Shāṭibiyyah pathway, establishing its functional divergence from conventional Waqf (pausing with breath) and Waṣl (continuous recitation).
Methodology: Employing a descriptive-analytical method grounded in acoustic rhetoric, this research investigates the structural co-text of the verses, the phonetic realization in Ḥafṣ’s transmission, comparative analysis with other canonical Qirā’āt, and the synthesis of classical linguistic and exegetical scholarship.
Findings: The findings demonstrate that Sakt in Ḥafṣ’s narration functions as an active rhetorical-interpretive instrument rather than a mere phonetic convention. In Surah al-Kahf (18:1–2), it prevents qayyiman from being mistakenly parsed as an adjective modifying ‘iwajā, marking the shift from absolute negation of defect to positive affirmation of guidance. In Surah Yā-Sīn (36:52), it demarcates the despairing inquiry of resurrected disbelievers from the definitive rejoinder of believers/angels. In Surah al-Qiyāmah (75:27), it acoustically mirrors the agony, suspense, and cessation of breath at death throes. In Surah al-Muṭaffifīn (83:14), it manifests the rhetorical transition from categorical deterrence (kallā) to the moral etiology of disbelief (rāna).
Conclusion: As an authentic, transmitted pause without breath, Quranic Sakt bridges phonetic articulation and theological depth, stimulating cognitive vigilance and enriching exegetical comprehension.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 March 2026
  • Revise Date: 15 April 2026
  • Accept Date: 07 May 2026

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