Sharjah Ruler launches 2nd phase of ‘Rhetorical Encyclopedia’

This came during His Highness's attendance at the annual ceremony for the graduation of the fourth batch of Quran readers certified by the Sharjah Holy Quran Academy, totaling 249 certified readers. The ceremony took place at the University City Hall in Sharjah.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah proceeded to sign the first edition of the volumes of the second phase of the “Encyclopedia of Rhetorical Interpretation” comprising 16 volumes, including parts of the second quarter of the Holy Quran. This brings the total volumes of the encyclopedia across both phases to 25 volumes. Additionally, His Highness signed the first edition of the volumes of the "The Encyclopedia of the Qulun' Narration from Nafi," marking the first encyclopedias of the methods of Quranic recitation, encompassing 10 volumes in addition to the Noble Quran, along with its explanation of the Qulun' Narration from Nafi’ Al-Madani in the margins.

The Encyclopedia of Rhetorical Interpretation is unique and unparalleled in its interpretive and rhetorical nature, providing a comprehensive interpretation of the Holy Quran. It elucidates the meanings of vocabulary by offering precise and concise linguistic explanations of words, referring to the primary linguistic references, Quranic lexicons, and commentaries. It clarifies the overall meaning of the verses using simple and accessible language while ensuring the clarity and strength of expression, with a balanced approach to explanation, avoiding tedious elaboration or excessive brevity. Moreover, it pays meticulous attention to the organisation and quality of presentation.

The encyclopedia also delves into the contextual relevance of each surah (Chapter), exploring its connection to preceding and succeeding surahs, as well as the relevance of each verse to its preceding and following context. It elucidates the nuances and intricacies, unveiling the subtle relationships and intricacies within the text. It sheds light on the linguistic and rhetorical elucidation by examining the impact of linguistic styles on meanings, highlighting the role of specification and definition in general, and observing the meanings conveyed through conjunction and disjunction, and the suitability of concise, equivalent, or expansive expressions for the intended meaning. It clarifies the harmony between wording and meaning, and the wisdom behind the use of plural and singular forms, gender specification, and the implications of nominal and verbal phrases in speech, among other discussions in the realm of the eloquent meanings science, which are among the most significant means of revealing the aesthetic aspects of the Quranic text and ensuring the coherence of its verses.

The encyclopedia also focuses on examining the various linguistic and conceptual embellishments that adorn the Quranic text, such as the harmony of pauses, the beauty of juxtaposition, the symmetry of structures, and the elegance of ascending progression in organising meanings, among other aspects that enrich the verbal fabric of the Quranic verses.

The encyclopedia also highlights the semantic distinctions among Quranic terms, delving into the lexical similarities and drawing attention to their contextual nuances and implications. It elucidates the guidance embedded within the verses and the eloquent messages and signals they convey. The encyclopedia relies on the primary sources of Quranic exegesis, linguistic analysis, and rhetorical studies to accomplish its objectives.

The Encyclopedia of Quranic Recitation Methods stands out for its comprehensive coverage and meticulous scrutiny of every detail pertaining to Quranic narration. It addresses root words, their enumeration, variations, directional cues, and performance annotations. It also meticulously catalogues the foundational elements such as elongations, plural endings, and others, regardless of repetition, to facilitate learning for students, accompanied by references, directives, and performance notes. Moreover, the encyclopedia is adorned with the mention of Ottoman orthography and Quranic word regulation, both in agreement and discrepancy, easing the effort for readers to search through the primary texts on recitation and initiation, by listing every permissible pause, as indicated by a knowledgeable scholar.

The Encyclopedia of Quranic Recitation Methods also did not overlook mentioning the Quranic pauses for each narration, given the scarcity of those who delve into this art among reciters. It provided evidence and guidance for each distinct pause. A distinctive feature of this encyclopedia is the section on Recitation Nuances, which encapsulates the thoughts and experiences of esteemed reciters over many years of Quranic recitation and dissemination in various narrations.

The encyclopedia includes references to all schools of recitation methods without favouring one over the other, thus leaving the field open for the reciter and his student to choose, with the aim of making the encyclopedia suitable for the entire Muslim community without excluding any recitation school.

The encyclopedia is also distinguished with issuing a special Quranic manuscript for each recitation, containing a summary of what was mentioned in the encyclopedia. It is drawn and formatted to correspond to the Quranic recitation, accompanied by an audio recording of the recitation variations in all its aspects, accessible via a Quick Response (QR) code. This is to preserve the correct audio transmission of the words of the Holy Quran, performed by scholars known for their beautiful recitation, precision, verification, and meticulousness.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an, followed by the granting of Quranic authorisation to Haji Murad Muhammadov by the reciter, Osman Hassan Yousef. Murad is a student of the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah. Muhammadov, originally from the Russian Federation, received his authorisation from the Academy. The ceremony continued with more recitations and authorisations, embodying the Academy's mission to solidify and disseminate Arab and Islamic identity to all nations of the world.

Dr Engineer Khalifa Musabah Al Taniji, Chairman of the Holy Quran Academy (HQA) in Sharjah, delivered a speech expressing profound gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his unlimited support towards the service of the Holy Quran and its people in general, as well as for the scientific and research projects of the Holy Quran Academy specifically, turning it into a global knowledge and specialised beacon.

Al Taniji stated, "The Holy Quran Academy has achieved qualitative accomplishments with the global coverage of the Sharjah Electronic Quran Recitation in 170 countries worldwide. The number of Quranic recitations had reached 1,246 by the end of 2023, including individual recitations and their compilations. Graduates received these recitations from a distinguished group of proficient reciters. The total number of students benefiting from the Academy's programmes reached 768, with a total of 1,210 Quranic authorisations granted to students who passed the authorisation test."

He added, "Today, we celebrate the graduation of the fourth batch of 249 certified reciters, who come from various continents around the world. Congratulations to them for this esteemed position and the right selection."

Regarding the studies and research conducted by the Academy, Al Taniji explained, "The Academy places great importance on scholarly studies and research related to the Holy Quran and its studies. The Academy started the second phase of “Holy Quran’s Rhetorical Interpretation Encyclopaedia’, which focuses on the rhetoric of the Holy Quran in detail, employing a unique methodology. It involved 40 scholars and the completion of 14 Quranic volumes, totalling 25 volumes by March 2024. The number of rhetorical titles reached more than 56,000, and the expected total volumes at the end of the project will be 50. Additionally, the Individual Recitations' Methods project, which is characterised by comprehensive inclusion and detailed coverage of the science of recitations and its branches, reached around 150 volumes. The Academy has completed Qulun’s Narration from Nafi Encyclopaedia, which includes 10 volumes, in addition to the explanation of the narration and the Quranic script in the Eastern Ottoman style. This is the first release of the Individual Recitations' Methods project, which involved 27 scholars."

Al Tanaiji emphasised that the Academy has established its scholarly and cultural position by reinforcing Arab and Islamic values and registering a prominent presence in regional and international official delegations' visits, totalling more than 5,457 visits by prominent figures and experts in the Holy Quran and its sciences. It has become a scientific destination for students from schools and universities, contributing to Sharjah's role in human development and making it a centre for knowledge seekers from around the world. He confirmed that these blessed efforts would not have seen the light without the grace of Allah Almighty, followed by the unlimited support and gracious care of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and his direct and diligent follow-up.

At the end of the ceremony, the graduates of the fourth batch received their Quranic authorisations with a continuous chain of transmission to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

Attending the ceremony alongside His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah were Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office; Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Dr. Khawla Abdul Rahman Al Mulla, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family Affairs Authority; Jamal Al Tarifi, President of Al Qasimia University; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; Abdullah bin Yarouf Al Sabousi, Chairman of the Islamic Affairs Department in Sharjah; and a number of senior officials and esteemed scholars and reciters.