Highlighting the Importance of the Encyclopaedia

At the symposium, attendees discussed why the "Methodologies of Individual Qira’at" Encyclopaedia matters and how it can help move Quranic studies forward. They looked at the extensive work that went into putting the encyclopaedia together and shared ideas on how it could be used even more effectively by academics and researchers.

The event also emphasised the need to keep supporting in-depth research projects that help advance Quranic studies. Such efforts are especially valuable for postgraduate students, researchers, and specialists working in Qira’at and related fields.

Research papers and scholarly discussions

The event featured a number of research papers and specialised interventions that highlighted the status of the science of Qira’at and its contribution to enriching Quranic sciences, exegesis and the history of Islamic scholarship.

Discussions also addressed the importance of script and orthographic notation in encyclopaedias of Qira’at methodologies, performance-related guidance and its impact on developing recitation proficiency, the significance of directing and explaining Qira’at for both reciters and instructors, as well as the application of the "Methodologies of Individual Qira’at" Encyclopaedia within the Sharjah International Electronic Quran Recitation Platform.

Comprehensive Scholarly Project

His Excellency Dr Abdullah Khalaf Al Hosani, Secretary-General of the Academy, said that the symposium highlights the importance of the science of Qira’at and its connection to the principles of pausing and starting in recitation, as well as Quranic exegesis. He noted that this contributes to enabling reciters and researchers to contemplate the Holy Quran more deeply and improve recitation performance.

He added that the Academy places great emphasis on studies and scientific research related to the Holy Quran and its sciences. The "Methodologies of Individual Qira’at" Encyclopaedia is one of the Academy’s major scholarly projects and is distinguished by its comprehensiveness and detailed treatment of the science of Qira’at in all its branches and disciplines. The encyclopaedia is expected to reach approximately 150 volumes.

Four encyclopaedias launched by Sharjah Ruler

Dr Al Hosani added that His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, launched four encyclopaedias within the "Methodologies of Individual Qira’at" series: The Qalun narration from Nafi', comprising 10 volumes, The Warsh narration encyclopaedia, comprising 18 volumes, The encyclopaedia of the Qira’ah of Asim Al Kufi through the narrations of Shu'bah and Hafs via Al Shatibiyyah, comprising 22 volumes, The Ibn Kathir narration, comprising 17 volumes.

The project also includes narration trees that serve as visual summaries of the foundations of each narration, explanatory Mushafs of the narrations, and an Eastern-style vocalised Mushaf dedicated to each narration. A total of 70 scholars participated in the project.

Honouring participants

The symposium was attended by a number of senior officials, researchers, specialists and university professors. At the conclusion of the event, His Excellency Dr Abdullah Khalaf Al Hosani honoured the speakers and participants.