A Study of the Reading in Quranic Codices Attributed to the Imams (a)*

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MSc. Student in Qurʾānic Exegesis at the University of Qurʾānic Sciences and Disciplines. (Primary Author)

2 Associate Professor at the University of Qurʾānic Sciences and Disciplines (shahpasand@quran.ac.ir).

Abstract

Abstract
One of the valuable resources in the discussion on the history of the Qurʾān is the Qurʾānic manuscript. It is a resource that provides information on readings, verse numbering, spelling rules, etc. during different ages. Ancient texts are preserved in many libraries and museums around the world. Some of them have been attributed to the Imams (a) by relying on the colophon (scribe’s statement on the work), endowment note, or other signs present in the written text or conveyed orally. In the collection of ‘treasures and precious manuscripts of the Qurʾān’ at the Central Museum of the Astan Quds Razavi in Mashhad, there are more than twenty hand-written Qurʾāns attributed to the infallible Imams (a). Studying these manuscripts to note the differences between the texts, readings, verse numbering, spelling and handwriting rules, is beneficial in discovering the approximate place and time of their composition, and with the help of these mechanisms, the validity of attribution or lack thereof can be identified. This study examines four manuscripts attributed to the infallibles in the Astan Quds Razavi library which have the greatest number of pages than the rest. By examining the features mentioned, we arrive at the conclusion that the attribution of these manuscripts to the pure Imams (a) is incorrect. In fact, the qualities of handwriting and rules of spelling adhered to in these manuscripts show that they cannot be from earlier than the second century. However, their attribution [to the infallibles] has been made for a number of reasons; these reasons must be sought in the manuscripts themselves, or in the conditions prevalent during the period when this attribution was made, which formed the basis of positing the possibility [of their composition by the Imams].

Keywords

Studies of Quran Reading
Volume 7, Issue 12
September 2019
Pages 231-256

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 April 2019
  • Revise Date: 04 June 2019
  • Accept Date: 14 July 2019

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