Explanations about reading Qur'an in Qurtubi's tafsir

This study aims to evaluate the explanations of Qur'anic recitation in the tafsir of Kurtubi, one of the prominent mufassirs of Andalusia, from the perspective of the science of qira'at. The research thoroughly examines Kurtubi's life, scholarly and moral personality, and provides an in-depth analysis of his place and influence in Islamic thought. The primary source of the study, el-Câmiʿ li-aḥkâmi'l-Ḳurʾân, offers multifaceted insights into various Islamic sciences such as tafsir, qira'at, hadith, and fiqh, going beyond the scope of a mere tafsir work. In the first section of the study, Kurtubi's introduction to the Qur'an, its recitation, learning, and its application in practice, as discussed in his preface, is analyzed. The virtues associated with the Qur'an are also presented through narrations. Furthermore, Kurtubi's unique interpretations and contributions to the science of qira'at regarding how the Qur'an should be read, the importance of adhering to the etiquette of recitation, and the respect and reverence required during reading are explored. In the final section of the study, definitions and explanations related to the concept of qira'at and its various types are discussed within the context of the tafsir and other sources that form the basis of this work. The findings reveal that Kurtubi is not only a mufassir but also an important authority in the field of qira'at science. The study demonstrates that the mufassir's views on qira'at have significant relevance for contemporary tafsir and qira'at studies.