The spelling phenomenon related to unspoken written letters or unspoken spoken letters in Surah An-Nahl (a descriptive analytical study)

Abstract

This research examines the phenomenon of omission and inclusion in the Uthmani script by applying it to Surah An-Nahl, as an applied model revealing the relationship between Quranic orthography and pronunciation in recitation. It aims to identify instances where discrepancies appear between pronunciation and writing, while analyzing their phonetic and linguistic dimensions. The study employs a descriptive-analytical approach, identifying instances where pronounced but unwritten letters are present, such as certain vowel letters that are pronounced when linking words, and implied long vowels. It also identifies instances where unpronounced letters are written, such as the alif al-farqah after the waw al-jama'ah, the alif al-wasl when linking words, and certain letters that the Uthmani script retains in accordance with their linguistic origin.

 The results demonstrate that these phenomena are not arbitrary but rather governed by the rules of the Uthmani script, which was established during the reign of Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him). Furthermore, the differences between the written and spoken forms reflect a precise integration between phonetic structure and linguistic meaning. The study also demonstrated that this phenomenon contributes to facilitating pronunciation and preserving the etymological roots of words, while highlighting an aspect of the Quran's linguistic miracle. The research concluded with the importance of linking the sciences of Uthmani script, Tajweed (the rules of Quranic recitation), and modern phonetics to accurately understand these phenomena. The research recommended conducting similar applied studies on other surahs (chapters of the Quran) to deepen the analytical and statistical aspects of this field.