نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
The variant readings of the Qur'an (qirāʾāt) have long been among the fundamental subjects in Qur'anic studies, Islamic jurisprudence, and exegesis. In the modern period, they have become a major focus of Orientalist criticism, particularly regarding claims of "textual instability." This study provides a comparative analysis of Shi'i and Sunni perspectives on Qur'anic variant readings in light of exegetical traditions, with emphasis on revelation and transmission. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical method with a comparative approach.
The findings indicate that despite differences in explaining the origin and criteria of authority of readings, the majority of scholars from both traditions share two principles: the unity of the revealed text and its protection from textual alteration; and the transmission and authoritative status of established readings. Accordingly, variant readings should not be understood as multiple Qur'anic texts, but as variations in recitation modes and linguistic capacities. The Orientalist claim of "textual instability" thus lacks scholarly grounds.
کلیدواژهها English
