The Anomalous Recitation Modes of Ibn Mas’ūd in Tafsīr of Al-Samarqandī

Abstract

Abstract

Imam Samarqandī placed great importance on the anomalous recitation modes, recognizing their value in enhancing interpretations and elucidating meanings. Rather than simply listing the four readings following the ten, he also included readings from the Companions, like Ibn Abbās, Ibn Mas’ūd, and Ubayy ibn Kaab, as well as readings from the followers, such as that of Abū Abd al-Rahmān al-Salamī and others. He cited these anomalous recitation modes to support a meaning, demonstrate a grammatical perspective, address a jurisprudential matter, or present an interpretative insight. Al-Samarqandī had a distinct role and perspective regarding the meanings of deviant recitation modes. He considered a recitation mode to be deviant even if it conveyed some meaning or was articulated by someone with significant experience in interpretation and knowledge. The research is organized into two main sections; Theoretical Study Section: This part includes an introduction to Imam al-Samarqandi and his Rafsir, an overview of anomalous recitation modes, and a discussion on the narration of these readings by the companions, along with an introduction to the recitation mode of Ibn Mas’ūd. And Applied Study Section: Here, I compiled the irregular recitation mode of Ibn Mas’ūd and annotated each one with the specific differences, such as additions, omissions, substitutions, or variations in parsing, spanning from the beginning of Surah Al-Fātiḥah to the end of Surat An-Nās. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the key findings and offers several recommendations.

Keywords: recitation modes, anomalous recitation modes , Ibn Mas’ūd.