ʻUlum Al-Quran (Quranic Sciences)

THE QURAN IS the vital center of Islam. For this reason, every Muslim should know the basics of what is called “the Qur’anic Sciences,” or, in its original Arabic, ʿUlûm Al-Quran.

What Are “The Qur’anic Sciences”?
The phrase “Qur’anic Sciences” has two technical meanings.

The first is obvious: It is the field of all the sciences, or branches of learning, whose subject of study is the Quran, from any particular approach. Tafsîr (exegesis or explication of the Quran), tajwîd (correct recitation and enunciation of the Quran), and qira’ât (variant accepted recitations of the Quran), are a few constituents of this field.

The second technical meaning of the designation “Qur’anic Sciences” is any particular one of these “sciences” dedicated to the study of some aspect of the Quran on its own, again like tafsîr, tajwîd, qira’ât, etc., but individually.

The first indicates a singular area of learning. One says: “The Quranic Sciences is an important field to learn.” The second usage denotes a plural (that is, a set of individual subjects of study). One says: “The Qur’anic Sciences are important to learn.”

The subject of the Qur’anic Sciences by the first meaning is the verses of the Quran themselves. In the second meaning, the subject is the sciences themselves, the means of valid knowledge, which one uses to study the verses.

For example, when one studies tafsîr, one reads a verse, then reads its explanation. When one studies tajwîd, one learns to follow its rules of recitation and patterns of pronunciation When one learns the qira’ât, one learns the variant recitations.

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ الْعِلْمُ ثَلَاثَةٌ وَمَا سِوَى ذَلِكَ فَهُوَ فَضْلٌ آيَةٌ مُحْكَمَةٌ أَوْ سُنَّةٌ قَائِمَةٌ أَوْ فَرِيضَةٌ عَادِلَةٌ

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Knowledge is three types and anything else is a surplus: a decisive verse, or an established Sunnah, or an obligation of justice.”

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2885

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Suyuti

What Are the Qur’anic Sciences?

The term “Qur’anic Sciences” has two main interpretations:

1. As a field of study: It encompasses all branches of knowledge whose focus is the Quran. This includes tafsîr (exegesis), tajwîd (correct recitation), qira’ât (accepted variant recitations), and other related disciplines.
2. As individual sciences: It refers to each of these areas separately. For example, one studies tafsîr, or tajwîd, or qira’ât as individual fields of specialization.

In the first sense, one might say: “The Qur’anic Sciences is a vital area of learning.” In the second, one could say: “The Qur’anic Sciences are essential to master.”

The Focus of ʻUlum Al-Qur’an

In the first meaning, the subject is the Quranic verses themselves. In the second, the subject is the individual sciences and the methods used to study the verses.

For example:

• Studying tafsîr involves reading a verse and its explanation.
• Studying tajwîd focuses on the rules of pronunciation and proper recitation.
• Studying qira’ât involves learning variant recitations and understanding their significance.

Methodology and Structure

ʿUlûm Al-Qur’an has developed into an independent religious science with its own structured curriculum, similar in approach to Fiqh and Hadith sciences. Scholars typically follow a set methodology and order of topics, ensuring consistency in teaching and learning.

The name “ʿUlûm Al-Qur’an” (plural: sciences) emphasizes that it covers multiple branches, rather than a single field such as tafsîr or tajwîd alone.

Formal Definition

Formally, ʿUlûm Al-Qur’an can be defined as:

“The study of topics relating to the Quran, including its revelation, order of revelation, compilation, writing, recitation, explanation, miraculousness, abrogated verses, defending against doubts, and other related matters.”

Benefits of Studying ʻUlum Al-Qur’an

Scholars identify three primary benefits:

1. Raising awareness of crucial Quranic issues that every Muslim should know.
2. Equipping one to defend the Quran against criticism or doubt.
3. Providing a foundation for those wishing to compile their own tafsîr.

Key Areas of Focus

A typical study of ʿUlûm Al-Qur’an may include:

• History and development of the Quranic sciences.
• Revelation of the Quran: its order, occasions, and dynamics.
• Makkan and Madinan portions of the Quran.
• Compilation and reduction to writing.
• Variant recitations (qira’ât).
• Style, eloquence, and literary aspects of the Quran.
• Other important topics, including abrogation, miraculous nature, and scholarly debates.

The Value of ʻUlum Al-Qur’an

The Qur’anic Sciences serve as a detailed framework, gathering essential knowledge and research in a condensed, organized manner. Studying it saves immense effort, time, and scholarly resources. In essence, ʿUlûm Al-Qur’an mirrors the depth and organization of the Quran itself, serving as a guide for comprehensive understanding of the sacred text.

Conclusion

ʿUlûm Al-Qur’an equips a Muslim with both knowledge and wisdom, connecting the heart and mind to the Quran. Its study is not just academic, but deeply spiritual, enabling the believer to engage with the Quran in a meaningful, informed, and transformative way.