An Examination of Hamzah’s Divergence in the Recitation of “ʿAbada al-Ṭāghūt”

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 . Assistant Professor in Quranic and Hadith Sciences Department at the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Teachings at Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran

2 . PhD Student in Quranic and Hadith Sciences at the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Teachings at Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran (Corresponding Author)

Abstract

The study of Quranic recitations pertaining to the term “ʿAbada” in verse 60 of Surah al-Ma’idah highlights a significant variation among the reciters. Notably, in the phrase “ʿAbada al-Ṭāghūt,” only Hamzah opted for the reading “ʿUbuda,” while other prominent reciters preferred “ʿAbada.” This variation stems from a semantic distinction influenced by the grammatical function of the term. Hamzah interpreted this word as a singular noun with a plural connotation, in contrast to the other reciters who associated it with “laʿanahu Allah” (cursed by Allah). The objective of this study is to explore the differences in Hamzah’s interpretation relative to the other seven reciters concerning the recitation of this term, and to ascertain whether Hamzah’s reading was derived from ijtihad (independent reasoning) or from a process of discovery, unlike the other established reciters. This research employs a descriptive-analytical approach to investigate the term “ʿAbada” within the contexts of lexicography, Quranic recitation literature, and exegetical texts. The results, derived from this methodology, indicate that the analysis of recitation variations in similar verses can bolster the argument that Hamzah, among the seven reciters, exercised a certain level of discretion in his recitation choices, which often align with specific principles and regulations, reflecting his distinctive ijtihad. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of Hamzah’s recitation of “ʿAbada” as reported by Ibn Masʿud and al-Aʿmash—his teachers—against the recitations of other reciters reveals that Hamzah’s recitation in Kufa stands apart from others. Additionally, investigating the differences in recitation within this verse, particularly regarding the roles of the conjunctive and the conjoined elements, emphasizes the necessity of accurately identifying the conjoined element in Quranic recitation, which carries substantial implications for the interpretation and translation of the verses.

Keywords

References

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Studies of Quran Reading
Volume 12, Issue 22 - Serial Number 22
September 2024
Pages 247-270

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 May 2023
  • Revise Date: 17 January 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 April 2024

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