Variations in the Successive Quranic Readings, and Their Effects and Implications on Quranic Exegesis. Practical Examples from the Chapter of Al-Hajj

Abstract

The variations between the various mass-transmitted canonical modes of Quranic recitation are among the most interesting facets of the Quran. However, do these differences contribute to any practical implications related to Quranic exegesis? This paper aims to study their effects, and in particular, the differences present in the Chapter of Al-Hajj. The paper studies how five instances of different vocabulary usage in this chapter that are based on different modes of recitation contribute to the richness and flexibility of meanings and the implications of the Quranic text. The study concludes that these differences significantly contribute to Quranic exegesis, particularly in the areas of legislation and Quranic inimitability.