A critical study and edition of Talkhīṣ Taqrīb al-Nashr fī Ma'rifat al-Qirā'āt al-'Ashr of Shaykh al-Islām Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī

• Main Author: Al-Shaiji, Omar k. M. H.
• Published: University of Wales Trinity Saint David 2004
• Subjects: 297.1
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.503610

The Qur'än is the first legislative source for Muslims and it constitutes the method of life that organizes the relationship between the worshipper and his Creator and between people themselves. For this reason the Qur'än is labeled the "Spirit" (ILIII: 52) as it represents the essence for all Muslims. The Qur'an was revealed in seven dialects in order to facilitate the understanding of the different tribes of the Arab peninsula, who would otherwise have experienced difficulty. These variant "readings" or Qirä'ät have further benefits which will be examined in chapters I and IV in this thesis, in addition to any resulting juristic and Shari`a provisions. My work in this thesis is divided into two sections the second of which comprises copies of the Arabic manuscript. Chapter II includes summarised biographies of the ten `readers'; the latter not only being included for purposes of verification, but also with a view to offering a brief history of Qur'änic `readers' (Qurrä) and their narrators so as to facilitate understanding and to highlight connections between the various subject elements. The first section consists of an introduction, four chapters, glossary and bibliography. The thesis commences with an introduction that includes the reasons for choice of this topic and a brief explanation. Chapter 'I comprises the study of the manuscript, its importance and the, new information it offers. Chapter II defines the Qur'än and Qirä'ät then the importance of the multiplicity of Qirä'ät explanation of the oral tradition regarding the revelation of the Qur'än in seven Qrrä'ät and finally the recording of the science of Qlrä'ät. Chapter III examines the development of codification and links it with the schools that resulted from this recording process; highlighting the most famous teachers and students and the scientific contribution of each school. Chapter IV outlines the impact of Qirä'ät on the provisions of Shari'a and focuses on interpretation, jurisprudence and the Arabic language. And finally a glossary and bibliography.