Misconceptions About The Qur'Ān And Qirā'Āt: A Critical Analysis Of Shady Nasser'S Views

Abstract

Recent works in the field of Qur'ānic studies, especially that of Qirā’āt, have given rise to a new focus within the realm of anti-Islamic polemics. Among those works is The Transmission of the Variant Readings of the Qur'ān: The problem of tawātur and the emergence of shawādhdh by Dr. Shady Hekmat Nasser. This work of Dr. Nasser is perhaps the most popular contemporary orientalist work which deals with the topic of the variant readings of the Qur'ān and there is no formal critical review available for this book of his as of yet. His work also contains a level of research which far exceeds previous works. Dr. Nasser makes many claims within this work which are addressed by this research. In this research, Dr. Nassr’s methodology and claims are examined qualitatively by critically reviewing the sources he cites as evidence for his claims. This study compares and contrasts Dr. Nasser’s methodology with that of traditional orientalist thought. This study also addresses various misconceptions contained within the following claims. Dr. Nasser claims that the early scholars in general did not believe that the Qirā’āt were divine. He also makes this same claim concerning specific scholars throughout history. He also makes claims concerning the codification processes of the Qur'ān, such as his claim that the 'Uthmānic compilation was a failure. He also makes claims against the tawātur of the Qur'ān. This study finds that these claims are mostly unfounded when examining the primary sources Dr. Nasser cites, as well as those he did not cite. This study then assesses the claims of Dr. Nasser in light of Islamic theological traditions. There are some claims made by Dr. Nasser which can be accepted within the Islamic theological tradition, and there are claims which cannot.