Advanced Quranic Sciences Surah: Al-Baqarah (1)

Definition:
Al-Huruf al-Muqattaah (disconnected letters / fawatih): the alphabetic letters that open some surahs — like Alif-Lam-Mim, Alif-Lam-Ra, Ha-Mim, Ya-Sin, Ta-Ha, Kaf-Ha-Ya-Ayn-Sad, Ha-Mim-Ayn-Sin-Qaf.
There are 29 Arabic letters — 29 surahs open with them.

Schools of interpretation:

1. Suspension of judgment (Companions and Imams in one narration): Among the knowledge Allah has reserved — we believe in them without interpreting them. Al-Shabi said: "The secret of Allah in His Book."
2. Names of the surahs or the Quran: Opinion of Ibn Abbas and others.
3. Names of Allah: "Alif-Lam-Ra" = "Ana Allah Ara" (I am Allah, I see). Weak opinion without chain of authority.
4. Letters indicating inimitability: The Quran is composed of letters you know yet you are incapable of matching it. Preferred by Al-Farra, Al-Zajjaj, and most critical scholars.
5. Letters standing for divine names: "Alif-Lam-Mim" = Allah, Latif, Majid. Narrated but weak.

Strongest view: Combining suspension of judgment with the indication of inimitability — they are mutashabih whose knowledge Allah has reserved; they are recited as they came, with faith and seeking reward.

Source: Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan (2/7); Al-Zarkashi, Al-Burhan (1/173); Al-Tabari (1/203); Al-Zarqani (1/351)

Tags: الحروف المقطعةفواتح السورعلوم القرآنالإعجازالمتشابه