Ibn Jinni's Approach to the Shadhdh Readings in his Book al-Muhteseb

Abstract

Some scholars adopted the approach that the variant readings other than seven readings of the Qur'an are completely unacceptable. According to them, those versions can neither be recited in prayer nor have any value for the commentary of the Qur'an. Abu al-Fath Uthman Ibn Jinni (d. 392/1002), provided a strong opposition to this opinion in his book al-Muhtasab due to the reason that those versions can have a close relationship with the Qur'anic revelation. In his viewpoint, those versions can be beneficial in the Qur'anic commentaries even though they cannot be recited in prayer. This paper aims to deal with Ibn Jinni's approach to the reading versions other than seven variant readings as well as comparing his position with other scholars' perspective in this regard.