The Deeply rooted Relationship between Tafseer and Qiraat: Common Origins and Ongoing Mutual Influence

Abstract

The Cognitive Integration Between the Sciences of Qur'anic Readings and Interpretation: A Theoretical and Practical Study *Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and all his companions. Among the essential sciences for interpreting the Qur'an is the science of Qur'anic readings. Due to its importance, scholars have set it as a prerequisite for a Qur'anic interpreter. Whether the readings are Mutawatir (mass-transmitted) or non-Mutawatir, they play a significant role in clarifying and expanding meanings. They also aid in deriving legal rulings and preferring some rulings over others. Even the anomalous readings hold linguistic, jurisprudential, or interpretative benefits. We notice a cognitive interrelation between the sciences of Qur'anic readings and interpretation. Scholars of Qur'anic readings engage in interpretation, and scholars of interpretation write about Qur'anic readings. There is a historical and practical connection between these two sciences that dates back to the early period of revelation. Practically speaking, we can cite the common term used by scholars of both Qur'anic readings and interpretation, which is "interpretative readings." This term signifies the strong relationship between the two sciences. The interpreter deals with the readings and their impact on meanings, while the reciter explains the meanings resulting from these readings. This study focuses on two aspects: establishing and linking the two sciences from a historical and scientific perspective, and providing practical evidence of this cognitive integration. These two aspects are the foundation of this work. The objective of this research is to highlight the strong connection between the sciences of Qur'anic readings and interpretation through various theoretical and practical roles, which has been inadequately addressed in previous studies, as per my review.