Variant Readings in Al-Muntaha by Al-Khuza'i (d. 408 AH)

(A Collection and Study of the First Quarter of the Holy Qur'an)

Abstract

This research examines the variant readings included by al-Khuza'i in his book "al-Muntaha." The research problem lies in the vast number of variant readings found in "al-Muntaha," along with their grammatical, morphological, and semantic implications, in the absence of a descriptive or applied inductive study. The importance of this study stems from the fact that this book is among the primary sources relied upon by Imam Ibn al-Jazari in his publications, in addition to al-Khuza'i's prominent scholarly standing in his time. He was the leading scholar of Jurjan, received instruction in variant readings from the leading scholars of his era, traveled extensively, and studied under numerous sheikhs. He compiled fifteen variant readings in his book, which has benefited scholars throughout history. The research is structured into an introduction, a preface, two main sections, a conclusion, and an index of sources and references. The introduction includes a discussion of the importance of the topic and the reasons for its selection, a review of previous studies, the research problem, its objective and limitations, and the research plan and methodology. The preface comprises three sections: a brief definition of variant readings (al-shādhādh), an introduction to the book "al-Muntahā" and its author, al-Khuzā'ī. The two main sections of the research consist of a descriptive study and an applied study of variant readings in the first quarter of the Holy Quran. In these sections, I compiled the variant readings found in "al-Muntahā," totaling fourteen words in twelve different places. I attributed each reading to its reciter, explained its variant nature, and provided supporting evidence. The research concludes with the most important findings and recommendations, followed by an index of sources and references.