Huroof Al-Muqatta'at (حروف المقطعات) is directly translated in English as "disjointed letters" or "separate letters." Another name for such letters is fawātiḥ (فَوَاتِح), meaning "openers," since the letters constitute the opening verse of their respective surahs. These are the individual Arabic letters or a combination of letters that appear at the beginning of 29 surahs (chapters) of the Holy Quran. Each Muslim reading and learning the Quran becomes familiar with unique Arabic letters with the very first verse of the second Surah, Al-Baqarah. These combinations, also referred to as the "disjointed letters" or "mysterious letters," have intrigued Islamic scholars for centuries due to their uniqueness and enigmatic nature. Despite various interpretations, it is imperative to accept that their exact meaning remains known only to Allah, the All-Knower. Explore the significance of Huroof Al-Muqatta'at and form a comprehensive understanding of these fascinating elements of the Qur'an in light of scholarly opinions and Islamic understanding.
Many scholars, including Amir Al-Shabi and Sufyan Thawri, believe that symbols and mysteries of Allah exist in all Books that were revealed. As a result, the mysteries remain mysteries and are seen as ''Mutashabihat,'' or hidden meaning, known solely to Allah (SWA). Quite a few scholars further assert that there should not even be discussions regarding them. Others believe that these letters refer actually to names given to the following surahs, while some hold them to be abbreviations of the names of Allah Almighty. Yet some others think that the meaning of these letters has been revealed to Allah's Prophet, Muhammad (SAW), only as nobody else was informed about them. Some of the great and authentic scholars of the past have narrated the interpretations of these letters. This is to arouse interest in the reader to ponder and seriously reflect on the inner meanings of the Quran and not to take them as intended interpretations by Allah. (Marriful- Quran)
1. Huroof - hu-ruf
Hu: Pronounced like "ḥū" with a clear h (ح)
Sounds like: hoo
Roof: Pronounced like "rūf"
Sounds like: roof
2. Al-Muqatta'at - al-muq-atta-’aat
Al: Pronounced like "ál"
Sounds like: al
Muqa: Pronounced like "Muqá" with a strong Q (ق)
Sounds like: muqa
Atta: Pronounced like "aṭa" with hard ṭ(ط)
Sounds like: atta
'aat: Pronounced like " 'aat " with '(ع)
Sounds like: aat
Alltogether: Huroof Al-Muqatta'at (حُرُوف مُقَطَّعَات): hu-ruf-al-muq-atta-’aat
Following are a few of the individual examples of the Huroof Al-Muqatta'at. Each letter is pronounced separately and clearly with no connection.
Tips for Pronunciation
Emphasis: For the individual examples of the Letters, pronounce each letter clearly and separately. For the words Huroof Al-Muqatta'at, make sure to emphasize the pronunciation of harder Arabic letters.
Practice: Repeat the letters slowly, then gradually increase your speed for fluency. Learn to pronounce the unique Arabic letters such as ṭ(ط) or '(ع). Refer to authentic YouTube videos or Tajweed sites to learn correctly.
There are about fourteen different sets of these "Qur'anic initials" found in various combinations at the beginning of twenty-nine chapters. Here is a complete list of the fourteen Huroof Al-Muqatta'at, with references to their appearance in the Quran:
The reciters or learners of the Quran come across these Huroof Al-Muqatta'at frequently as they read through the meaningful texts. These letters intrigue many students of Islamic knowledge and several scholars have dedicated significant time to understanding and interpreting it to the best of their knowledge. Several contemporary scholars acknowledge their lack of extensive knowledge on the topic and have since refrained from interpreting it any more than it already has been.
Since Huroof Al-Muqatta'at are considered special letters from the divine text of the Quran, it is given much importance by the Muslims. These letters are carved in wood and decorated with ornamental Islamic designs and are known as Tughra in South Asia. It is a popular element of calligraphy paintings and art that are hung in houses by several Muslims.
Significance of Huroof Al-Muqatta'at in Light of the Quran and Hadith
Huroof Al-Muqatta'at appears as the first verse of 29 surahs in the Qur'an. The most notable being the first verse of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:1), "Alif-Lam-Mim" (الم). Following is a list of all the surahs that begin with Huroof Al-Muqatta'at:
For early Islamic personalities like the Sahaba and caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, these single letters at the start of many Surahs were part of the knowledge Allah has reserved for Himself alone. Some regard these letters as the names of their respective Surahs, though others consider them as selected openings of the Surahs. Linguists like Ibn Jarir mention that they are partial citations in the Arabic alphabet and were not intended for all letters. Scholars agree on the fact that these letters are not present without a meaning, thus underlining what they refer to: the miraculous nature of the Qur'an, composed from the same letters used in common speech but unmatched in its divine message. It was supported by famous scholars like Ar-Razi, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Al-Mizzi.
The employment of such letters was already a famous literary device with poets and orators in pre-Islamic times, and thus, the contemporaries of the Prophet did not need to question their presence in the Qur'an. Over time, this device fell into disuse, and it became harder for commentators to define their precise meanings. However, their meanings are not necessary to be understood for one to get guidance from the Holy Book of the Qur'an, nor does their misunderstanding or not grasping their meanings hinder living a good, successful life on the road to salvation. (Referenced from Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafheem ul Quran).
Although there are no direct Hadiths explaining what Huroof Al-Muqatta'at means, the Messenger of Allah did emphasize returning to the whole Qu'ran—its proper recitation, its deeper meanings, and, therefore, carrying out the commands. One should read the Qur'an and reflect on it with full confidence that it is from Allah, the Merciful.
Muhammad bin Ka'b Al-Qurazi narrated: "I heard 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud saying: 'The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "[Whoever recites a letter] from Allah's Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter." (Grade: Hasan (Darussalam) Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2910)
Huroof Al-Muqatta'at is strongly considered divine evidence of the authenticity of the Quran by several scholars. They are a unique and mysterious aspect of the Qur'an, inviting reflection and reverence from all readers of the Quran. Their exact meaning remains known only to Allah, as several scholars advise not to ponder too much, for it may lead to straying away from the true essence of the Quran. Each of the letters found at the beginning of 29 surahs adds to the depth and complexity of the Qur'anic text. It is an integral part of Qur'anic recitation or memorization to understand and correctly pronounce these letters. Exploring the significance, pronunciation, and context of Huroof Al-Muqatta'at, all readers of the Quran, whether believer or non-believer, can connect to the Qur'an more thoroughly.
