The impact of recitation variations on meaning: The case of the story of prophet Abraham (A.s.)

The science of recitation, which addresses the various reading modes found in the verses of the Qur'an, holds a significant position among Islamic sciences. As an essential discipline closely related to other fields such as tafsir, the science of recitation contributes greatly to the proper understanding, interpretation, and comprehension of the Qur'an. Indeed, it is not limited merely to the pronunciation aspect of the Qur'anic verses; it also examines how textual variations influence meaning. In this regard, the different forms of Qur'anic recitation play a vital role in revealing the multiple layers of meaning within the divine text. While some differences among recitations are limited to pronunciation or stylistic variation, others directly affect the meaning of the verses and pave the way for diverse interpretations. This study focuses not on the phonetic or stylistic dimensions of recitational differences, but rather on the semantic variations known as fershī differences—those that have a direct impact on meaning. Within this framework, the contribution of such differences to the richness of the Qur'an's meaning is examined through the case of the story of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). The study consists of an introduction, three main chapters, and a conclusion. In the introduction, the research topic, its aim and significance, the methodology, and the sources used are discussed. The following chapter provides general information on the science of recitation, while the other two chapters present the narrative of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) as found in various chapters of the Qur'an, organized in the form of a chronological sequence. Subsequently, the identified recitational differences in the relevant verses are analyzed. The potential impact of these differences on the meaning of the verses and the resulting interpretive variations are examined in detail. Through this study, the indispensable role of the science of recitation in understanding the Qur'anic text and uncovering its multiple semantic dimensions is demonstrated with concrete examples from the narrative of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). The findings reveal once again that considering recitational differences in the process of interpreting the Qur'an is crucial for grasping the depth and richness of its meaning.