Ulum al-Quran — Sciences of the Quran

Ulum al-Quran (Sciences of the Quran) is the comprehensive field of study that encompasses everything related to understanding, interpreting, and preserving the Quran. It includes the history of revelation, the compilation of the mushaf, the modes of recitation (qira'at), the Arabic language and rhetoric of the Quran, the occasions of revelation (asbab al-nuzul), abrogation (naskh), the clear and ambiguous verses (muhkam and mutashabih), and the principles of tafsir. Mastery of these sciences is a prerequisite for any scholar who wishes to engage in Quran interpretation.

Key Disciplines

The sciences of the Quran include dozens of sub-disciplines. Among the most important: Ilm al-Nuzul (the science of revelation) studies how, when, and where each verse was revealed, and whether it is Meccan or Medinan. Asbab al-Nuzul (occasions of revelation) identifies the specific events that prompted particular revelations, essential for proper interpretation. Ilm al-Qira'at (science of recitation) preserves the multiple authentic modes of reciting the Quran, all transmitted through mass narration from the Prophet. Ilm al-Rasm (Quranic orthography) studies the unique writing conventions of the Uthmani script. Ilm al-Ijaz (inimitability) demonstrates the literary miracle of the Quran, which challenged all of Arabia to produce anything like it: "Say: If mankind and jinn gathered together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof" (Quran 17:88).

Meccan and Medinan Surahs

Scholars classify surahs as Meccan (revealed before the Hijrah) or Medinan (revealed after). This classification is essential for understanding the Quran's progressive revelation. Meccan surahs tend to be shorter, more rhythmic, and focus on faith (iman), the oneness of Allah, the afterlife, and the stories of previous prophets. Medinan surahs tend to be longer and address legislation, social relations, warfare, interfaith relations, and the organization of the Muslim community. Knowing whether a verse is Meccan or Medinan affects its legal application and interpretive context.

The Ijaz (Inimitability) of the Quran

The Quran challenged its detractors to produce anything comparable: first the entire Quran, then ten surahs, then even a single surah (Quran 2:23). No one has ever met this challenge in over 1,400 years. The inimitability operates on multiple levels: linguistic (unprecedented Arabic style that fits no known category of prose or poetry), structural (complex internal coherence across 114 surahs revealed over 23 years), scientific (references to natural phenomena later confirmed by science), legislative (a comprehensive legal system from a single source), and spiritual (its effect on hearts and its recitation that moves people regardless of whether they understand Arabic).

Major Works

The foundational work in Ulum al-Quran is al-Burhan fi Ulum al-Quran by Imam al-Zarkashi (d. 794 AH), followed by al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Quran by Imam al-Suyuti (d. 911 AH), which remains the most comprehensive single work on the subject. Modern contributions include Manahil al-Irfan by al-Zarqani and introductions by Subhi al-Salih and Manna al-Qattan. These sciences represent the Muslim ummah's unparalleled commitment to understanding, preserving, and transmitting the Book of Allah with the utmost precision and scholarly rigor.