"Al-Muhtasib" by Ibn Jinni: A Descriptive Study of Methodology and Evidence

Abstract

The paper is a descriptive study of the book entitled "Al-Muhtasib fi Tabyin Wujuh Shawadhdh Al-Qira'at wal-Idah Anha", by Ibn Jinni, which is considered one of the most prominent linguistic sources. The paper aims to clarify Ibn Jinni's methodology in dealing with anomalous readings, the most important evidence he relied on from the Quran, language, and poetry I addition to the mechanisms for employing them in guiding the reading and reinforcing the opinion. He begins with mentioning the anomalous reading, then guides it with phonetic, morphological, and/or grammatical justifications, citing the Quran, poetry, and the speech of the Arabs. He does not merely transmit and document, but also analyze and explain, combining hearing (tradition) and analogy.