Nâfi', Ebû 'Amr, 'Âsım qirats and their differences in the context of Sura Bakara

This study aims to identify the usulī (principled) and ferṣī (applied) differences in the recitations of Nâfi' from Medina, Ebû Amr from Basra, and Âsım from Kufa, specifically within Surah Al-Baqarah. The research begins by providing a brief overview of the lives, scholarly contributions, and works of these recitation Imams, along with their significance in the field of Quranic recitation. In this context, the educational backgrounds, teachers, and students of each recitation Imam are examined, offering a broad perspective on their contributions to the discipline of qirā'at (Quranic recitation). Following this, the differences in the recitations of Surah Al-Baqarah are analyzed comparatively with both classical and modern qirā'at sources, with a detailed examination of how these differences influence the meaning of the verses. Particular emphasis is placed on the recitations of Nâfi', Ebû Amr, and Âsım, as these three are among the most commonly recited during prayers today, thus highlighting the importance of their differences in a deeper context within Surah Al-Baqarah. In this study, a detailed analysis is conducted within the framework of usul (principles) and ferṣ al-ḥurūf (specific differences in words and letters). Usulī differences pertain to the basic rules of recitation (such as elongation, assimilation, and clarity of pronunciation), while ferṣī differences relate to variations in letters, vowels, and pronunciation at the word and verse levels. In these sections of the study, the linguistic and grammatical justifications behind the recitational differences are thoroughly examined, providing a detailed analysis of the reasons underlying these variations. In this context, how each recitation affects the meaning of the verses is explained, bringing forth the unique contributions of each recitation. The study demonstrates how the recitational differences enrich the depth and understanding of the Quran's meaning, and the fact that many commentators (mufassirūn) frequently address these differences in their works further underscores the significance of qirā'at in preserving the Quran's textual and spiritual integrity. The study consists of an introduction and two main chapters. In the introduction, a concise overview of the lives and scholarly contributions of the recitation Imams is presented, highlighting their roles in the Islamic intellectual tradition and their contributions to the historical development of qirā'at studies. The first chapter systematically analyzes the usulī differences, focusing on the linguistic and grammatical aspects of each Imam's recitation style. The second chapter offers a systematic classification of the recitational differences in Surah Al-Baqarah that influence the meaning of the verses. The meanings of the verses are explained based on the "Kur'an Yolu Meali" by the Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı (Turkish Religious Foundation). In the conclusion, the study highlights the deep connection between the Quran and the different recitations, evaluating how these differences contribute to a better understanding of the Quran. Additionally, the study finds that the variations between recitations provide a rich interpretative framework for the Quran's recitation and offer multiple perspectives on its interpretation within the Islamic world. The science of qirā'at is also significant in demonstrating the historical preservation of the Quran and the mutawātir (authentically transmitted) nature of these recitations. By highlighting the contributions of qirā'at studies to understanding the Quran's textual differences, this study showcases the enduring role of qirā'at in the Islamic scholarly tradition and underscores the richness of the Quran's meanings. The diversity of the recitations not only enhances the depth of reflection and understanding in both Quranic recitation and exegesis, but it also plays a unifying role among Muslims.