The Potentiality of Meaning in the Qurʾanic Readings of Sūrat Al-Fātiḥah and its Objectives: An Analytical Study 10.35781/1637-000-145-002

Abstract

This study aims to examine the concept of potentiality (iḥtimāl) and its relationship to the science of Qurʾanic readings, and to clarify its forms and purposes as manifested in the variant readings of Sūrat al-Fātiḥah. It further seeks to elucidate the scholarly positions regarding these potential meanings and to assess the validity of their interpretations. The study adopts a descriptive and inductive methodology, proceeding through establishing the theoretical foundations of the concept of potentiality within the discipline of Qurʾanic readings, followed by surveying its applications in Sūrat al-Fātiḥah, and analyzing and evaluating the interpretive approaches adopted by the scholars. The study concludes that semantic potentiality in Sūrat al-Fātiḥah is divided into two principal categories: acceptable potentiality, whether wholly or partially, and unacceptable (rejected) potentiality. It also finds that among the most prominent purposes of potential meanings in the readings of Sūrat al-Fātiḥah are diversity and inclusiveness, contextual appropriateness, and conciseness. The study recommends further research into lexical, orthographic, and phonetic aspects of potentiality in Qurʾanic readings—particularly in Sūrat al-Fātiḥah—and calls for extending such studies to all Qurʾanic readings, with due attention to examining manifestations of overinterpretation in the study, teaching, and interpretation of Qurʾanic readings. Keywords: potentiality, meanings of Qurʾanic readings, Sūrat al-Fātiḥah, objectives.