Directing the Shādh (Irregular) Readings from Verse 7 to Verse 59 of Sūrat Al-Baqarah

This study examines the methodology of Imam Muhammad bin Ali Al-Shawkani in his famous exegesis, Fatḥ Al-Qadīr, focusing on the Shādh (Irregular) Readings found from Verse 7 up to Verse 59 of Sūrat Al-Baqarah. Fatḥ Al-Qadīr is considered one of the most prominent exegetical works that combines transmission (Naql) and reasoning (Dirāyah), bringing together the interpretation of scriptural texts through direct narration with linguistic, grammatical, and jurisprudential analysis.
In his exegesis, Al-Shawkani reviews the various readings reported in these verses—whether Mutawātir (masstransmitted) or Shādh (irregular)—clarifying the differences between these readings in terms of pronunciation, grammatical inflection (I‘rāb), linguistic structure, and sometimes the effect on the theological or jurisprudential meaning.
The study focuses on the concept of "Directing the Reading" (Tawjīh Al-Qirā’ah), which is the method AlShawkani adopts to prefer one reading over another or to highlight its effect on understanding the meaning, while adhering to the proofs from the Qur’an and Sunnah. An analysis of Al-Shawkani's exegesis reveals that the direction of the reading is based on precise controls, including the strength of the chain of transmission (Sanad), the authenticity of the narration (Isnād), the reinforcement of the linguistic meaning, and its suitability for the objectives of the Sharī‘ah (Maqāṣid Shar‘iyyah).
The study provides a detailed description of the Shādh readings in these verses and clarifies Al-Shawkani's approach to dealing with them, whether by presenting them without preference, indicating the more optimal choice, or interpreting based on the reading's impact on the meaning, highlighting the precise scholarly method used in comparing the readings.
The study also demonstrates that this method helps readers and students of knowledge understand the Qur’anic texts deeply, avoid monolithic interpretations, and emphasizes the importance of considering the Shādh readings and understanding their impact on the meaning, especially in verses related to legal rulings, creedal issues, or Qur’anic narratives.
The research concludes that Al-Shawkani’s methodology in directing the readings reflects a comprehensive vision that balances transmission and reason, stability and variation, and memorization and analytical study. This makes it an important reference for understanding the diverse readings in Sūrat Al-Baqarah and their application in contemporary scholarly research and Qur’anic studies.

Directing (Tawjīh), Readings (Qirā’āt)

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