The Qur’ān before the book - History and concepts of Qur’ānic variants (qirā’āt)

Purpose: This paper addresses methodological issues related to the concept of ‘Qur’ānic variants and readings’ (qirā’a pl. qirā’āt ḥarf aḥruf, respectively). I investigate way they have been depicted in early Islamic narratives, developed field medieval Qur’ānic sciences (ʿulūm al-Qur’ān), discussed Western studies scholarship last two decades. Methodology: The proceeds chronologically by discussing three aforementioned fields: classical modern scholarship. Findings: shows necessity generating a new approach studying history Qur’ān its main concepts. epistemological tools used on text need be renewed. Originality: studies. It seeks assess progress offers perspective study specific topics: readings.