Defending the Reading of Imam Hamzah in “Makr al-Sayyi’” with a Silent Hamzah in the Context of Wasl

Abstract

The primary aim of this research is to defend Imam Hamzah’s reading of “Makr al-Sayyi” with a silent hamzah, as this reading has faced objections. Among these, some Arabic linguists argue that it is incorrect to silence the hamzah in a declinable noun, as diacritical marks differentiate meanings. This study clarifies the reliability of this reading, which is traced back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the most eloquent of Arabs, as well as to the prominent Kufan reciter Imam al-A‘mash. Additionally, it is supported by the linguistic authorities Abu Amr and al-Kisai and was used by the Arabs in their poetry, the epitome of their pride and expression. The study employs an inductive method, tracing the opinions of those who oppose silencing the hamzah in declinable nouns without an apparent reason. This is followed by an analytical approach to understand the reasoning behind their objections, and then a critical method to compare the arguments of those who permit this reading with those who oppose it, demonstrating its validity in Arabic. The study concludes with several key findings, foremost of which is that Imam Hamzah’s reading aligns with a dialect used by some native Arabs. It is also a widely transmitted reading, making it impermissible to reject or object to. Many Arabic linguists recognized and documented this dialect, serving as a counterargument to those unfamiliar with it.