The Methodology of Qawāʿid al-Tarannum and its Influence in Malaysia

Abstract

This study analyses an influential work on tarannum in Malaysia, namely Qawāʿid al-Tarannum authored by Nik Jaafar Nik Ismail. The work has been widely received among Qur’anic practitioners, particularly reciters and scholars specialising in tarannum. Its distinction is evident not only in the engaging nature of its discussions, but also in the stature of its author, who is a renowned and experienced scholar in this field. The main objective of this study is to analyse the writing methodology applied in Qawāʿid  al-Tarannum, to evaluate the extent of its influence and to examine the implications arising from that influence. This study adopts a qualitative approach through document analysis, literature review and semi-structured interviews with the author, tarannum teachers, qari and qariah Qur’anic reciters and selected academics. The findings indicate that the author’s writing methodology possesses a distinctive style and is not influenced by other existing works. The study also finds that the work has exerted a strong influence on reciters, tarannum teachers and researchers or writers in the field of Qur’anic tarannum. In addition, the study identifies positive effects on the author himself as a result of the influence of this work. Therefore, this study asserts that Qawāʿid al-Tarannum is a highly significant scholarly work for the development of the discipline of Qur’anic tarannum in Malaysia. Accordingly, this work should be documented as an academic reference and preserved as a continuous source of inspiration for future generations.