The Function of Shaz (Irregular) Qira’at (Recitations) in Explaining and Expanding the Exegesis of the Noble Qur’an from Shi’ite and Sunni Perspectives

Abstract

Received: 23/9/2018 | Accepted: 16/5/2018 Shaz (irregular) Qira’at as a variety of methods in the recitation of the Noble Qur’an has not received adequate attention and review yet. Irregular recitation is a method in Qira’at which has authentic reference but is not narrated through a sound chain of transmission or Istifazah acceptable among people. Contemplation and research on these recitations can have considerable effects on Sunni and Shi’ite exegesis of the Qur’anic verses. Therefore, such recitations cannot be totally rejected or ignored. This study aims to compare irregular recitations with the regular and well-known ones and explain their function in Sunni and Shi’ite exegesis. For this purpose, the most important criteria and relevant arguments to irregular recitations and their different function in Sunni and Shi’ite exegesis of the Noble Qur’an are first reviewed; and then, some instances from these recitations along with their different effects and functions in Sunni and Shi’ite exegesis of the Holy Qur’an are displayed. Semantic explanation and expansion of the verses are of the most important functions of the abovementioned recitations for the exegesis of the Noble Qur’an. In this regard, the analysis of some irregular recitations compared to their regular counterparts can foster exegetical review of the verses and also reveal their function.

Keywords

• shaz (irregular) qira’at (recitations)
• regular recitations
• sunni and shi’ite exegesis
• semantic explanation
• semantic expansion