"The Impact of Waquf and Ibtida on the Interpretation of Quranic Verses Related to Stories"

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Theology and Islamic Studies, Sarab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sarab, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Quranic Recitation Sciences and Arts, Higher Institute of Quran and Hadith, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

3 PhD scholar in the field of recitation sciences and techniques at Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiyah University

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify and classify the effective components in the recitation of the Holy Qur’an from the perspective of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution (Ayatollah Khamenei). It seeks to systematically analyse his statements in order to propose a theoretical framework for the essential elements of a correct and impactful recitation.
Method: A qualitative approach with a directed content analysis method was employed. The research population consists of the Supreme Leader’s statements delivered in Qur’anic interpretation sessions, meetings with reciters, and various Qur’anic ceremonies between 1990 and 2009. Data were collected through purposive sampling based on direct or indirect relevance to the topic of recitation. The data were analysed using open and axial coding, and the extracted components were categorised into four main themes.
Findings: The analysis resulted in the identification of eight key components: (1) attending to the meaning of verses and conveying Qur’anic concepts through recitation; (2) observing correct pause and connection (waqf and waṣl); (3) proper stopping, beginning, and melodic phrasing; (4) engendering humility and supplication in recitation; (5) selecting verses appropriate to the context and audience; (6) fostering familiarity with the Qur’an for taking admonition; (7) emulating distinguished reciters (e.g., Muṣṭafā Ismā‘īl, Ṣiddīq al‑Minshāwī, ‘Abd al‑Fatāḥ Sha‘shā‘ī); and (8) paying attention to contextual coherence and semantic relations. These components are classifiable into three levels: structural (pause/connection), semantic (meaning and conveyance), and affective (humility and intimacy with the Qur’an).
Conclusion: The Supreme Leader’s discourse presents a comprehensive multi‑dimensional approach to Qur’anic recitation, extending beyond technical and tajwīd aspects to emphasise semantic, affective, and communicative dimensions. The extracted components can serve as a theoretical model for training reciters, evaluating performances, and guiding media policy. Future research is recommended to formulate these components into a coherent conceptual model and examine their application in contemporary recitations.
 

Keywords

References

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    Statements of the Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Khamenei) – Retrieved from khamenei.ir:

    • Statements at the conclusion of the Qur’an Reciters’ Ceremony (1989/01/19 – 1369/01/19). khamenei.ir
    • Statements at the Farewell Ceremony for Qur’an Reciters (1991/02/06 – 1370/02/06). khamenei.ir
    • Statements at the third session of the commentary on Sūrat al-Ḥamd (1991/04/21 – 1370/01/21). khamenei.ir
    • Statements at the meeting with a group of reciters (1992/12/17 – 1371/12/17). khamenei.ir
    • Statements at the first meeting with the representatives of the Eighth Parliament (2008/03/21 – 1387/03/21). khamenei.ir
    • Statements at the gathering of Qur’an reciters on the first day of the month of Ramaḍān (2009/05/31 – 1388/05/31). khamenei.ir
    • Statements of the Supreme Leader at the meeting with reciters of the Holy Qur’an in the holy month of Ramaḍān (2004/07/25 – 1383/07/25). khamenei.ir

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 01 April 2026

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