An Analysis and Critique of the Orientalist Theory of the Meaninglessness of Quranic Disconnected Letters (al-ḥurūf al-muqaṭṭaʿa)

Document Type : Scholary

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

2 Professor, Department Of exegesis , Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

The Quranic disconnected letters (al-ḥurūf al-muqaṭṭaʿa) and their meaningfulness have garnered the attention of both contemporary and early Muslim scholars and thinkers. The notion of the disconnected letters being devoid of meaning or shrouded in mystery is a theory propagated by certain Orientalists with the intent of casting doubt on the divine origin of the noble Quran. This research aims to elucidate, analyze, critique, and refute such perspectives. By highlighting the revelatory essence of the Quran and defending it against Orientalist skepticism, this article employs a descriptive-analytical method and a critical approach to address concerns raised by Orientalist figures such as George Sale, Régis Blachère, Richard Bell, and Theodor Nöldeke regarding the purported meaninglessness of the Quranic disconnected letters. The author believes that the Quran embodies the pinnacle of eloquence, and the Orientalists’ assertion of the disconnected letters’ lack of meaning is rooted in their distinct objectives, intellectual frameworks, and interpretations of Islamic studies. This includes viewing the Quran as having a human origin, being influenced by its social context, and reflecting the cultural milieu of its time. Furthermore, their methodology of Quranic studies often exhibits superficiality, bias, illusionism, and a lack of understanding of the depths of those “firmly grounded in knowledge” (al-rāsikhūn fi al-ʿilm). Their conclusions regarding the disconnected letters are thus a product of their failure to consult all authentic Islamic sources, notably neglecting Shiite perspectives.

Keywords

References

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The Quran: Contemporary Studies
Volume 2, Issue 6 - Serial Number 6
Second year, Number 6, Winter 2024
March 2024
Pages 5-24

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