Tawjih Al-Qira’at Based on Inscription, Language, and Unusual Modes of Recitation According to Ibn Zanjalah

Abstract

Some people might think that knowledge of Tawjih al-Qira’at (Mode of Quranic Recitation) depends mainly on the science of Quran exegesis and grammar, and some might think that the control is on the language, and might believe that two different modes of recitation are based on tongues. This is really considered a narrow view, and some people may develop curricula based on this perception. Therefore, knowledge of the sciences related to Taujeeh al-Qira’at offers ability for both the teacher and the student to deal with sciences of recitation, which shows the miraculous nature of Quranic recitations. Hence, limited knowledge of one or two related sciences is considered impractical, because Islamic sciences complement one another. This study aims to reveal and evaluate three major issues considered by Ibn Zanjalah in Tawdih al-Qira’at. The study is based on analytical inductive method. Ibn Zanjalah’s Hujjat al Qira’at was selected and analyzed based on how the author combined the sciences of illustration, language, and Qira’at al-Shazah (unusual recitations). This study revealed the development of strong interest in the Uthmani inscription in Tawdih al-Qira’at according to Ibn Zanjalah. This was one of the reasons for al-tarjih (preference), as Ibn Zanjalah revealed the languages and dialogues of Arabs, which are considered parts of Tawjih al-Qira’at. However, Ibn Zanjalah’s evidences regarding the unusual recitations are insufficient, where there are no more than forty of them. This is considered one of the author’s deficiencies.