Synthesizing the Views of Exegetes regarding Shadhah (Rare) and Mutawatirah (Reliable) Qur’anic Lections

Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which scholars have reconciled the different interpretations of the variant lections/readings of the Quran with the mutawatir. The mutawatir refers to the readings that have been transmitted by a large number of reliable narrators in each generation, making it highly probable that they are correct. The variant readings, on the other hand, are those that have been transmitted by a smaller number of narrators or that have some other element of doubt surrounding them. The paper begins by defining the terms "qira'ah" (reading/lection), "mutawatir" (reliable), and "shadh" (rare). It then discusses the different methods that scholars have used to reconcile the different interpretations of the variant readings with the mutawatir. These methods include: Interpreting the variant readings in a way that is consistent with the mutawatir; explaining the variant readings as being due to differences in dialect or pronunciation; and attributing the variant readings to different contexts or situations. The paper concludes by arguing that the different interpretations of the variant readings can be reconciled with the mutawatir by using a combination of these methods.