The Impact of Mutawatir Readings on Pause and Initiation in the Book "Al-Idah fi Al-Qira'at" by Imam Abu Abdullah Al-Andarabi

(A Study from the Beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah to the End of Surah Al-Ma'idah)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of mutawatir (widely transmitted) Quranic readings on the rules of pause and initiation (waqf and ibtida’) in the book Al-Idah fi Al-Qira’at by Imam Abu Abdullah Ahmad ibn Abi Umar Al-Andarabi, focusing on the section from Surah Al-Baqarah to Surah Al-Ma’idah. The research aims to clarify the relationship between Quranic readings and the science of waqf and ibtida’ by analyzing instances in which Imam Al-Andarabi linked these two aspects in his book, demonstrating that the differences in Quranic readings lead to variations in the rules of pause and initiation, classified as complete (tam), sufficient (kafi), or good (hasan), depending on the reading. The researcher employed inductive, descriptive, and analytical methodologies to collect and analyze the relevant texts. The study begins with an introduction to Imam Al-Andarabi and his book, Al-Idah fi Al-Qira’at, as well as definitions of Quranic readings and the science of waqf and ibtida’. It also elaborates on the relationship between these fields and examines how Imam Al-Andarabi addressed them. The study further analyzes instances where the rules of waqf and ibtida’ differed due to variations in Quranic readings, using practical examples from the book. The study concludes with several key findings, the most prominent being that Al-Idah fi Al-Qira’at is one of the most important and reliable sources in the field of Quranic readings. Additionally, it highlights Imam Al-Andarabi’s significant contributions to the science of Quranic readings. The study also underscores the strong connection between waqf and ibtida’ and other disciplines, such as Quranic readings, exegesis (tafsir), and grammar (i’rab). This interconnectedness enhances understanding of Quranic meanings and clarifies their intended interpretations. Imam Al-Andarabi’s work reflects this integration, linking waqf and ibtida’ with tafsir, grammar, and other sciences in various contexts where the rules of pause and initiation are influenced by differences in Quranic readings.