1
PhD Student in Qurʾān and Hadith Sciences at Tehran University
2
Associate professor at the Research Center of the Seminary and University
Abstract
Discussion of the topic of modes of recitation of the Qurʾān is one of the important topics in the Qurʾānic sciences that not only deals with the accuracy of Qurʾānic recitation, but also effects the understanding and exegesis of Qurʾānic verses and also impacts the derivation of Islamic law and understanding of theological matters. In spite of numerous historical reports that indicate that there was no single uniform recitation in all the Islamic lands throughout history, some scholars have appealed to phrases such as “Qirāʾat al-ʿĀmmah” (lit. the recitation of the masses) which are found in sources dating back to the first centuries of the Hijrah, especially in al-Farrāʾ’s Maʿānī al-Qurʾān, to try and prove the existence of a single prevalent recitation among the general population throughout history. They claim that the current prevailing recitation (i.e. the narration of Ḥafṣ from ʿĀṣim) is that very same recitation that has always been prevalent. However, we note that these two claims are the result of an incorrect understanding of these expressions, and the neglecting of many other evidences which contradict these claims. A study of the phrase “Qirāʾat al-ʿĀmmah” and other similar phrases in al-Farrāʾ’s Maʿānī al-Qurʾān shows that in many instances such phrases are not compatible with recitation of Ḥafṣ from ʿĀṣim. Also, a comprehensive study of the instances where the phrase “Qirāʾat al-ʿĀmmah” and other similar terms in al-Farrāʾ’s work shows that the
Sharifinasab, H. and Babayi, A. (2018). An Analysis of the Phrase “Qiraʾat al-ʿAmmah” and Similar Phrases in the Exegesis of al-Farraʾ. Studies of Quran Reading, 6(10), 35-59.
MLA
Sharifinasab, H. , and Babayi, A. . "An Analysis of the Phrase “Qiraʾat al-ʿAmmah” and Similar Phrases in the Exegesis of al-Farraʾ", Studies of Quran Reading, 6, 10, 2018, 35-59.
HARVARD
Sharifinasab, H., Babayi, A. (2018). 'An Analysis of the Phrase “Qiraʾat al-ʿAmmah” and Similar Phrases in the Exegesis of al-Farraʾ', Studies of Quran Reading, 6(10), pp. 35-59.
CHICAGO
H. Sharifinasab and A. Babayi, "An Analysis of the Phrase “Qiraʾat al-ʿAmmah” and Similar Phrases in the Exegesis of al-Farraʾ," Studies of Quran Reading, 6 10 (2018): 35-59,
VANCOUVER
Sharifinasab, H., Babayi, A. An Analysis of the Phrase “Qiraʾat al-ʿAmmah” and Similar Phrases in the Exegesis of al-Farraʾ. Studies of Quran Reading, 2018; 6(10): 35-59.
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