The Effect of Farsh Al-Haruf (Secondary Principles in Qira’at) in the Interpretation of Some Theological Verses and Its Connection with the Endowment and Connection of the Verses of the Holy Quran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Teachings, Allameh Tabataba'i University: Tehran, Iran

2 . PhD Candidate in Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Teachings, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author)

3 . Professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

4 . Karim Parcheh Baf Dowlati, Member of the Research Faculty in Quranic Studies Burhan, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

A significant factor influencing the placement of waqf (stop) and wasl (continuation) in the recitation of Quranic verses is the notion of “Farsh al-Huruf (Secondary Principles in Qira’at).” This term denotes subtle variations in the recitation of Quranic words that lack a specific governing rule and do not conform to a standardized pronunciation. This study utilizes a descriptive-analytical approach to explore how Farsh al-Huruf (Secondary Principles in Qira’at) in recitations affects the positioning of waqf and wasl within the verses of the Holy Quran, as well as its implications for the comprehension and interpretation of these verses. The results reveal that Farsh al-Huruf influences waqf and wasl in multiple ways, including: 1. Divergence (Iltifat), 2. Variations in Diacritics (I’rab), and 3. Addition or Omission of Letters. These effects are exemplified through various instances. For example, in verse 37 of Surah Ghafir, the recitation “Sadd” with a fatha on the ص (Sad) introduces a divergence and presents a theological dilemma concerning the inevitable misguidance of Pharaoh. According to related verses, this misguidance is not a mere act of divine will but rather a result of human decisions and subsequent punishment. In verse 40 of Surah At-Tawbah, alterations in diacritics are linked to theological considerations. In a reading where the تاء (ta) is in the raf’ case, “Allah” is fundamentally perceived as superior, a view supported by Sunni scholars who attribute this to the eternal essence of the term “Allah.” In contrast, a reading with a nasb case suggests the superiority of “Allah” as a manifestation of divine creation, which the Mu’tazila interpret as indicative of the temporality of the term “Allah.” These analyses underscore the profound influence of recitations on the positions of waqf and wasl, reflecting varying theological perspectives.

Keywords

References

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Studies of Quran Reading
Volume 12, Issue 22 - Serial Number 22
September 2024
Pages 65-84

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 August 2023
  • Revise Date: 17 January 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 May 2024

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