INVESTIGATION OF THE PROCESS OF WRITING THE QUR’ANIC READINGS

The science of qira’at (readings) the Holy Quran is one of the oldest and most widely written subjects in the Quran. The impact of this knowledge on the science of interpretation and Arabic literature doubles its importance. The writing of various readings of the Holy Quran began after the era of oral narration of readings and from the first centuries AH it was paid special attention by scholars, writers, commentators and Quranic researchers and many works were written in this field. These works are first as a part of commentaries and books on Quranic sciences, hadith and Arabic literature, and then as independent writings in various formats such as "mufradah" (monography), "encyclopedia" (polygraphy) and justification of the reasons of Quranic readings either in disciplined methods (mundabit) or free style (muharrarah) was compiled. The present research provides an overview of the works written in the science of reading and by examining the first books of the science of reading, shows the antiquity of this knowledge. Also, by following the important books of Quranic sciences, commentary, hadith and literature, the prevalence and extent of the science of recitation in each of such books among the works of Shiites and Sunnis is examined. In addition, the present article with the typology of books related to the science of reading acquaints the reader with different types of researches pertaining to the reading science. Thus, the present article can be a good guide for researchers in the field of Quranic sciences to know the works written in the science of Quranic readings and can use these works in their research.