Question
What do the words يتغنى بالقرآن that appear in Hadiths mean and what is its interpretation?
Would you also please explain the matter of Maqamat in Egypt?
Answer
The words يتغنى بالقرآن have come in multiple Hadiths. See for example:
Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5024 and 7527
Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 1464-1468
The commentators of Hadith have mentioned various possible meanings stemming from the linguistic usage of the word in question. Among them are:
- It could mean to recite in a loud audible tone.
(An-Nihayah, Letters: غ ن ي, and Mirqat, Hadith: 2194; Also see Sunan Abi Dawud along with the footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah, Hadith: 1468)
- It could mean to beautify one’s recitation of the Quran by reciting in a melodious tone as that would not only invite others to listen more attentively, but it would also penetrate the hearts more effectively. This is on condition that reciter uses proper tajweed without changing the words or breaking any of the rules of recitation (i.e without adding, omitting, incorrectly elongating, etc.). It has been further mentioned that if a person feels he cannot recite in a melodious tone, he should still constantly strive to recite it melodiously to the best of his ability.
(Mirqat, Hadith: 2194, and Faydhul Qadir, Hadith: 7690; Also see Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 1466)
- It could mean to suffice on the Quran for the information it contains regarding the previous nations, etc. In doing so, one wouldn’t give any consideration to other historical incidents mentioned in the scriptures of the Ahlul Kitab [i.e Israiliyyat].
(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5023; Also see: An-Nihayah, Letters: غ ن ي)
- It could also mean to occupy one’s self with the recitation of the Quran.
(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5024)
In addition to the above, the commentators of Hadith have mentioned various other interpretations.
(Refer: An-Nihayah, Letters: غ ن ي, Sharh Ibn Raslan, Hadith: 1469, Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5024, Mirqat, Hadith: 2194)
Note: This is merely an explanation regarding the aforementioned text. Kindly refer to a Mufti/Darul Ifta for further queries regarding matters pertaining to the fiqhi understanding and application of such Hadiths and their correlation to Maqamat.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar