Analysis of Ikhtiyār in Qiraat: Its Relevance to the Originality of the Qiraat of the Qur’an

Abstract

This study concludes that ikhtiyār in Qiraat is an important concept related to the selection process of scholars in determining a recitation of the Qur’an. Ikhtiyār has two opposing sides. On the positive side, it functions as a validation instrument in determining the acceptance or rejection of a reading, so that it becomes an important mechanism in maintaining the authenticity of the Qur’an while maintaining the diversity of Qiraat that is inherited from generation to generation. However, on the other hand, ikhtiyār also has the potential to cause misunderstandings, especially when it is considered to show a difference between Qiraat mutawātir. The interesting thing about this Thesis is an in-depth explanation of how the mechanism of Ikhtiyār can shape the legitimacy of a Qiraat, as well as what implications it has on the sustainability of the science of qiraat itself. Thus, this study not only examines the technical aspects of Ikhtiyār, but also photographs its role in maintaining the purity of the Qur’anic reading. In addition, this research is also directed to respond to various accusations of orientalists who often view the variety of qiraat as a weakness in the transmission of the Qur’an. Through this study, it is shown that the difference in Qiraat is actually a wealth of reading traditions based on scientific authority, not weaknesses as perceived by outsiders. The findings in this study show that the variety of Qiraat al-Qur’an has an authentic source, namely from Allah Swt., not the result of engineering or creation of Qiraat scholars. This is in line with the view of the majority of scholars who affirm that differences in Qiraat are part of the diversity of history that is revealed mutawātir through the path of authentic narration. This view differs fundamentally from the argument of some orientalists who consider that the diversity of Qiraat only arises due to the role of Qiraat scholars in creating variants of reading. According to them, the main source of the difference is solely due to the form of the initial mushaf that has not been equipped with harakat and dot marks, thus opening up space for reading interpretation. Methodologically, this study uses a qualitative approach with a library research method combined with grounded theory design. Through this approach, various classical and contemporary literature on Qiraat and ikhtiyār are examined, and then a framework of understanding that emerges from the data itself is developed.