الخطيب الشربيني ومنهجه في توجيه القراءات سورة الأعراف أنموذجاً [Al-Khatib Al-Shirbini and his methodology in directing the qur'anic recitations (Surat Al-An’am as a sample)]

Abstract

This study explores the approaches used by Al-Khatib al-Shirbini in his exegesis, Al-Siraj al-Munir, to interpret and justify the Qur'anic modes of recitations (qirāʾāt), with a specific emphasis on Surat al-A‘rāf. The research aims to identify the specific instances in which Al-Shirbini addressed these modes of recitations, examine the methodology he employed in citing and explaining them, and analyze the types of justification (tawjīh) he used. The study also evaluates his interpretations by comparing them with those found in classical works on qirāʾāt and tafsir. Accordingly, the objectives of this research are to compile and analyze all instances of interpretative justification in Al-Siraj al-Munir related to Surat al-A‘rāf; to highlight the distinctive features of Al-Shirbini’s methodological approach to qirāʾāt; and to assess both the strengths and limitations of his method. The significance of this research lies in the fact that, to date, only one prior study has addressed this topic, and it was conducted as part of a broader project on Al-Shirbini’s tafsir. The researcher adopted an inductive, deductive, and analytical methodology. This included a comprehensive survey of Al-Siraj al-Munir, the collection of all instances where Al-Shirbini addressed variant readings, deduction of his method, analysis of the nature and categories of his justifications, and comparison with related discussions in the classical literature on qirāʾāt and tafsir. Among the key findings: Al-Khatib al-Shirbini showed a notable interest in citing most of the variant readings in the surah. However, he did not provide justifications for all of them. He employed a wide range of justification types, enriching the scholarly understanding of his exegetical method.