Differences in Qirā’āt as the Basis for Diversity in Qur’anic Interpretation

A Study from the Perspective of the Science of Tafsir

Abstract

The diversity of qirā’āt has long been recognized as an integral component of the Qur’anic transmission tradition and has played a significant role in shaping the richness of Qur’anic interpretation. However, its function as an epistemological basis for interpretive diversity has not received sufficient attention in many contemporary studies, which tend to focus on the technical aspects of recitation. This study aims to examine the role of authentic qirā’āt in generating interpretive diversity and to explain its position within the framework of ‘Ulūm al-Tafsīr. This research employs a qualitative library research design using content analysis of primary sources on qirā’āt and Qur’anic exegesis, complemented by relevant classical and contemporary scholarly literature. The analysis demonstrates that differences among authentic qirā’āt extend beyond phonetic variation and significantly influence lexical meaning, grammatical construction, legal reasoning, and theological interpretation. These variations provide exegetes with multiple yet equally authoritative textual perspectives, enabling a broader understanding of Qur’anic messages without compromising the integrity of the Qur’anic text. The study further reveals that classical and contemporary mufassirs consistently integrate authentic qirā’āt with linguistic analysis, contextual interpretation, and prophetic traditions to construct comprehensive interpretations of Qur’anic verses. Therefore, interpretive diversity arising from qirā’āt should be understood as a manifestation of the Qur’an’s linguistic depth and semantic richness rather than as a source of contradiction.