Encyclopedia of Muhammad

Hurrof-e-Muqatti’at (حروفِ مقطعات)

They are disjointed letters or combinations of different letters that appear at the beginning of certain chapters (Surahs) in the Quran. Examples include "Alif Lam Mim" and "Ha Mim." These letters do not form recognizable words, and their precise meaning and purpose are known by Allah Almighty, and with his blessing, by the Prophets and other chosen people. Scholars have proposed various interpretations, including a linguistic or rhetorical challenge, showcasing the Quran's linguistic excellence. However, the exact interpretation is a subject of ongoing scholarly debate and speculation within the Islamic tradition.