Refuting the Doubts and Suspicions Arising from the Almighty’s Statement: “Be! And it is” By the distinguished scholar Al-Shihāb al-Khafājī (d. 1069AH)

Abstract

This research aims to uncover an important heritage treatise that has long remained obscure, written by the scholar Shihab Al-Din Ahmed ibn Mohammed ibn Omar Al-Khafaji (977–1069 AH / 1569–1659), entitled: Refuting the Doubts and Misconceptions Regarding the Phrase of the Almighty: "كن فيكون" "Kun Fayakūn""Be! And it is ".

This treatise, though modest in length, is of great significance and highly beneficial in its field. Al-Khafaji devoted it to defending the reading of Ibn Amir, who uniquely read fayakūn in the accusative (nasb) form in four places in the Holy Qur'an. This reading was exclusive to Ibn Amir among the seven canonical reciters. However, this reading was criticized by some by some claiming that it contradicts the rules and structure of the Arabic language.

Shihab In response, Al-Khafaji's treatise affirms the authenticity and validity of this reading both in narration (riwaya) and analysis (diraya), providing a detailed defense against criticisms, refuting objections with clear arguments, and supporting its validity with evidence from leading linguistic scholars, as well as from classical Arabic poetry and prose. He carefully demonstrates that this reading aligns perfectly with grammatical rules and principles, citing various syntactic interpretations and justifications provided by its proponents—who are numerous.

Throughout his discussion, Al-Khafaji employs logical reasoning, linguistic analysis, and compelling evidence. Moreover, he also addresses the alternative nominative (raf‘) reading of fayakūn in the same Qur'anic contexts. In fact, he begins his treatise by explaining its valid grammatical interpretations before turning to his defense of the accusative form reading.