Exegetical Effects of Mutawātir Qirāʾāt and Juridical Reasoning in Fiqh al-ʿIbādāt

Abstract

This paper explores the profound relationship between the Qur'anic recitations (Qirāʾāt) and their impact on the interpretation and juridical reasoning within the realm of Islamic worship (Fiqh al-ʿIbādāt). The Qur'an, being the primary source of Islamic law, offers various modes of recitation, particularly the Mutawātir (canonical) Qirāʾāt, which have shaped the legal and theological understanding of key ritual practices. By examining classical tafsīr texts, the study identifies specific instances where the recitational variations elucidate meanings, resolve ambiguities, and reinforce divergent jurisprudential views on acts of worship such as ablution (wudu), prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. The paper delves into the significance of these variations in providing clarity on legal rulings, offering insight into the dynamic interaction between Qur'anic interpretation and Islamic jurisprudence. Through an analysis of both applied and literary research methodologies, this study highlights how these Qirāʾāt contribute to the evolution of Islamic legal thought and facilitate a deeper understanding of worship practices. Ultimately, this work emphasizes the relevance of Qur'anic recitations in shaping the legal framework of worship and their continued role in contemporary Islamic scholarship.