The Grammatical Justification for the Problematic Pauses of Imam Al-Habti: Selected Models

Abstract

This research presents an in-depth analytical study of the Al-Habti Pause phenomenon, a system of pausing widely adopted in many Qur'anic manuscripts across the Islamic world, particularly in North Africa. The primary objective is to justify and analyze the grammatical and linguistic foundations for the pauses chosen by Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Abi Jum'ah Al-Habti (d. 930 AH). The study specifically focuses on positions that were deemed problematic or subjected to objection and criticism by some scholars of Waqf wal-Ibtida (Punctuation Science), who considered them to involve the separation of the governing word from the governed. The research employs an inductive-deductive methodology, inducing problematic examples and subsequently deducing the grammatical aspects he relied upon. These aspects include relying on a new grammatical start (Istinaf), the estimation of a suppressed saying (Taqdir al-Qawl), or considering the exception to be disconnected (Istithna' Munqati'). The findings establish that Imam Al-Habti's choices are not arbitrary but are firmly based on recognized grammatical aspects and linguistic considerations, thereby confirming his esteemed standing in this science and refuting the accusation that his pauses are ugly or invalid. The study recommends that Qur'an memorizers and students of knowledge focus on Arabic linguistic sciences and exegesis to comprehensively understand the principles of this discipline.