An evaluation of the recitation aspects in Hamadani's work titled "Ğâyetü'l-İhtisar" from the perspevtive of the science of exegesis

Efforts to understand and interpret the Qur'an have continued since its revelation. Quranic Sciences aid in explaining the Qur'an's meanings. One of these sciences is the science of Qira'at, which examines and analyzes the recitation of Quranic words by narrators with both similar and different aspects. Considering that Qira'at variations can contribute to the clarification of the meanings of Quranic verses, they are considered a source of interpretation. Thus, it has been argued that Qira'at differences can be regarded as a form of interpretation, and ideas have been proposed regarding the part of Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) where Qira'at should be included. Throughout history, a community of scholars, mostly Qaris (reciters), has been engaged in the development of Qira'at science. These individuals have preserved the Quran from the time it was first recited by Prophet Muhammad, and it will remain unchanged until the Day of Judgment. One of the members of this community is Abu al-Ala al-Hamdani (d. 569/1173). Al-Hamdani composed his works based on the fundamental sources of Islam, the Quran, and the Sunnah. He approached Qira'at by mentioning all the narrators in the chain of transmission. Ibn al-Jazari (d. 833/1429) compared al-Hamdani's position in the field of Qira'at with that of Abu Amr ad-Dani (d. 444/1053), who has numerous works in this area. Ibn al-Jazari used the phrase "Even though Dani's works are more widespread, Abu al-Ala is more knowledgeable in the science of Qira'at." This thesis aims to translate and analyze al-Hamdani's life, scholarly personality, and his work "Ghayatu'l-Ihtisar," focusing on the aspects of Qira'at and evaluating its significance in the field of Tafsir.