Research Methodology in the Books of Qira'at

Abstract

This research addresses an important topic within the field of Qira'at (the science of Qur'anic readings): the scientific methodology for conducting research in the books of Qira'at. The study highlights the most reliable books that are referenced in matters related to this discipline, the methods for authenticating and evaluating Qira'at, the organization of Qira'at issues, and how researchers in Islamic studies can benefit from the books of Qira'at. It also discusses the different types of writing in the field of Qira'at.

A researcher examining an issue within the science of Qira'at should clearly define the objective, whether it is to evaluate a reading, attribute it, classify it, describe how it is recited, or study a specific issue in Qira'at. Additionally, the researcher should be familiar with the methodology followed when writing in the field of Qira'at, which includes:

-      Authenticating the Qira'at and evaluating it.

-      Analyzing the Qira'at.

-      Organizing the Qira'at discussed in the research in a specific pattern.

-      Depicting the Qur'anic verses according to the recitation under study.

-      Distinguishing between Al-Mashariqa (the reciters from the regions of the Levant, Iraq, Egypt, and Hijaz) and Al-Maghariba (the reciters from the regions of Al-Andalus and the Near, Middle, and Far Maghreb) schools of Qira'at.

The key findings of the research are:

1. 1. The issues within the field of Qira'at vary greatly in terms of difficulty and ease.
2. 2. Attributing the Qira'at to those who recited it, authenticating it from its sources, and evaluating it is mandatory for the researcher, regardless of the research's objective.
3. 3. The principle is not to analyze the Qira'at mentioned in research except when necessary.
4. The differences between the Al-Mashariqa and Al-Maghariba schools of Qira'at are not contradictory but rather represent a diversity of approaches.