The Cessation (Inqita') in the Authorization Certificate of the Istanbul Style, Doctrie of Sufi: A Case Study of Chief Qur'an Reciter Abdurrahman Gurses

Abstract

In this article, the cessation in the certificate of authorization of Abdurrahman Gurses who is among the recent chief reciters (of the Holy Qur'an), and a representative of the Sufi Profession of the Istanbul Style of the Qur'anic Recitation within the tradition of the science of Qur'anic Recitation (Qiraat) will be discussed. The methods of "ard" (reciting to a qualified listener) and "sema" (to listen and correct whenever necessary as a qualified professional) that have been among the on-going practices towards a reliable transmission of the Qur'an and its Recitations (Qiraat) throughout generations since the Prophet's (pbuh) times, has a key role in the science of Qur'anic Recitation. The corresponding development of "the certification of authorization" practice also carries a significant importance in terms of the source of Qur'anic Recitations. Because in the certification of authorization, Muhammed (s.a.s.), is at the supreme level, and the individual who gains the right to receive this trust is at the lattermost level. Thus, the Qur'an, no matter how much time passes after its revelation, reaches its source through a continuous chain of transmission, via the narrators (ravis) who carry out the transmission. Therefore, it is essential that there is no disconnection in the chain of transmission. The tradition of granting the certificate of authorization was implemented sensitively from early times and continued meticulously in the lands of Anatolia.