Is it permissible for scholars to apply analogical reasoning (qiyas) and independent juristic reasoning (ijtihad) to the recitation of the Qur’an, and to append their ijtihad to the continuously transmitted (mutawatir) chain of narration? And did this ever occur on their part?

There is no room for analogy (qiyas) in recitation because it is an established practice (Sunnah) adopted orally from the mouths of men. As Allah Almighty says: "So when We have recited it, then follow its recitation." (Al-Qiyamah: 18), and as Zayd ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Recitation is an established Sunnah." Therefore, it is not permissible to recite by analogy, even if it conforms to the principles of Arabic, due to the deception involved if it implies a continuous chain of transmission to the Prophet (peace be upon him). What is considered in recitation is taking it orally from the mouths of men with a continuous chain of transmission. An example of this is reciting with the lips slightly apart during iqlab and the concealment of the silent meem before the ba sound.