A Critique of Goldziher’s Perspective on the Variations in Quranic Recitations (Qira’at)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Literature, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran

2 Ph.D. Candidate, University of Tehran, Farabi Campus, Qom, Iran; Corresponding Author

Abstract

One of the most significant topics in the history of the Quran is the issue of differences in Quranic Recitations (Qira’at). Various Recitations (Qira’at) of Quranic verses have intrigued orientalists, leading to different perspectives and challenges on this subject. Ignác Goldziher, in his book Interpretive Trends among Muslims, considers the emergence and spread of differences in Quranic Recitations (Qira’at) during the early centuries as the first phase of Quranic interpretation. He regards these variations as an opportunity to criticize the Quran itself, as he attributes all of them to the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Goldziher suggests that the Prophet showed a form of leniency and tolerance in accepting these differences, and his companions had a spirit of freedom in adopting them. On the other hand, in various instances, Goldziher attempts to place the Quran alongside other sacred books and compare and contrast them. This paper critically examines Ignác Goldziher’s perspectives on the variations in Quranic Recitations (Qira’at).

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Studies of Quran Reading
Volume 11, Issue 20 - Serial Number 20
September 2023
Pages 263-284

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 August 2021
  • Revise Date: 21 January 2022
  • Accept Date: 15 May 2022

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