Analysis of Ghina in the Recitation (Qira’at) of the Quran from the Perspective of the Quran and Islamic Jurisprudence

This article provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of the concept of ghinā (singing) in linguistics, the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), and relevant narrations regarding the Recitation (Qira’at) of the Quran. The main objective is to clarify the position and legal status of utilizing this art form in the artistic rendition of divine revelation. In linguistics, ghinā broadly refers to sound, voice, or melodious and captivating vocalization. However, this article focuses on its specific connotations within the context of the Quran. In the Quran, the term ghinā is associated with various negative implications such as loud speech, vain talk, incitement by Satan, idle talk, and entertainment. The Quran advises against indulging in these behaviors as they lead to religious and moral deviations. In Shia jurisprudence, the primary criterion for the prohibition of ghinā is its inclusion of frivolity, falsehood, and pleasure-seeking, or speaking about unlawful matters. In Sunni jurisprudence, the permissibility of sound or vocalization depends on whether it leads to harm or not; if it does not, it is considered permissible. In Islamic narrations, chanting or singing the Quran during Recitation (Qira’at) is recommended if it involves beautiful melodious sounds and voices while observing principles such as reverence, proper pronunciation (tartīl), humility, and contemplation of the Quranic verses. However, if ghinā implies self-sufficiency and overemphasis on the Quran to the exclusion of other essential aspects, it is outside the scope of this discussion.