The Interpretation of the Disconnected Letters in Ishari Tafsir: A Specialized Study of Ibn-i-Arabis Exegesis

Abstract

The Qur'an, as the revealed word of God, is distinguished by its linguistic excellence, semantic depth, and symbolic richness. Among its unique stylistic features are the disjointed letters (al-ḥurūf al-muqaṭṭaʿāt), which appear at the beginning of twenty-nine surahs and have long inspired theological and exegetical debate. While classical scholars generally maintain that their ultimate meaning is known only to God, the tradition of Ishari Tafsir regards them as symbolic signs revealing deeper spiritual and metaphysical realities to those granted divine insight.

This article critically examines the interpretation of the disjointed letters in Ibn Arabi’s Qur'anic commentary as a representative example of Ishari Tafsir. It reviews the two principal scholarly positions: one viewing these letters as exclusively divine mysteries, and the other allowing their partial disclosure to prophets, saints, and those firmly grounded in knowledge. The study argues that these perspectives are complementary rather than contradictory.

Through an analysis of combinations such as Alif Lam Mim, Ta Ha, Ha Mim, and Ha Mim Ain Sin Qaf, the article demonstrates that Ibn Arabi interprets the disjointed letters as symbols of divine unity, God's names and attributes, cosmic order, and the Muhammadan Reality. It concludes that, in his hermeneutics, these letters serve as gateways to the Qur'an’s inner coherence, spiritual ontology, and revelatory wisdom.