Al-Asma‘ī’s Unique Reports on His Teachers in Qur’ānic Recitations: Compilation and Analysis

Abstract

This study explores the unique readings transmitted by Al-Asmaʿī that diverge from those of his teachers. The number of such distinct instances reaches forty-eight (48), forming a valuable corpus worthy of scholarly documentation and linguistic citation. The researcher has diligently examined these readings, highlighting their divergence from the mainstream recitations and analyzing them linguistically based on the insights of classical exegetes and linguists. Where necessary, original texts from authoritative sources are cited, with interpretations, preferences, justifications, and documentation provided. The study also assesses the impact of these divergences on interpretive meaning and grammatical principles. Most of Al-Asmaʿī’s choices align with the orthography of the Qur’anic manuscript and conform to the norms of Arabic linguistic analogy and oral tradition. Although some readings are less preferred, they remain within the bounds of accepted eloquence and can be linguistically justified. The study identifies his two primary sources for these variants-Abū ʿAmr ibn al-ʿAlāʾ and Nāfiʿ al-Madanī-both among the seven canonical readers. However, the variants Al-Asmaʿī transmitted differ from their well-known canonical readings and are thus classified as anomalous (shādh) readings. While not valid for liturgical recitation, they offer linguistic and jurisprudential value. Findings: - Al-Asmaʿī engaged with Qur’anic readings early in his scholarly journey but did not assume a formal role in teaching them. His focus lay in interpreting and questioning the readings of his teachers. - Most of these readings conform to Arabic linguistic norms, even if some are less commonly preferred. - The study identifies linguistic and grammatical evidence suitable for citation in various syntactic discussions.