Intermediate Quranic Sciences

Definition: The Hawamim are the seven surahs beginning with "Ha-Mim" — appearing consecutively in the Mushaf from Surah Ghafir (40) to Al-Ahqaf (46).

The seven surahs:

1. Ghafir (Al-Mu'min) — 40
2. Fussilat (Al-Sajda) — 41
3. Al-Shura — 42
4. Al-Zukhruf — 43
5. Al-Dukhan — 44
6. Al-Jathiya — 45
7. Al-Ahqaf — 46

Similarities and coherence:

• Opening: All begin with "Ha-Mim" — disconnected letters.
• Theme: All Makkan, addressing fundamentals of 'aqida (monotheism, Quran, resurrection) and refuting polytheists.
• Glorification of the Quran: Nearly every surah glorifies the Quran at its opening — "A revelation from the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful."
• Stories of prophets: Using the fate of those who denied earlier messengers as proof.

Excellence: Ibn Mas'ud said: "The Hawamim are the brocade of the Quran" — its ornaments and gems. Ibn Abbas said: "Everything has a core, and the core of the Quran is the Hawamim."

Source: Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan (3/198); Al-Zarkashi, Al-Burhan (1/266); Ibn Kathir, Tafsir (7/109); Abu Ubayd, Fada'il al-Quran (p.200)

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