Typology of Sources on the Science of Variant Readings in the Domain of Limited Modes of Recitation

The limiting of modes of recitation was one of the most important achievements that created a great transformation in the history of the science of variant readings. From the fourth century onwards, there was growth and development in this science and various principles and types of readings were outlined. The subject of this paper is the typology of sources that limit the modes of recitation and also the typology of sources on the principles and types of readings. The most significant outcome of our present study is the discovery that the most important sources related to the limiting of modes of recitation are in relation to the seven and ten variant readings. Our study shows that Muslim scholars approached the subject of limited readings and the principles and types of recitation from different angles. The earlier approach of simple narration was slowly replaced by a more nuanced analytical and research-based approach. One of the features of contemporary works on this subject is the attention that is paid to the secondary aspects of the science of recitations such as the relationship between variant recitations and other Islamic sciences and the history of the science itself.