The Impact of Multiple Readings on the Interpretive Meaning of the Story of Moses (peace be upon him) and Al-Khidr in Surah Al-Kahf

Abstract

This study offers an exegetical analysis of the story of Moses and al-Khiḍr as presented in Sūrat al-Kahf, examining the multiple Qurʾānic readings associated with this narrative. The study highlights the Qurʾān’s inimitability by focusing on the linguistic and interpretive impact of these variant readings. It adopts an inductive analytical methodology through tracing selected passages in which authoritative readings occur and analyzing them in light of their contextual, semantic, and exegetical dimensions.

The study concludes that the variation in Qurʾānic readings represents one aspect of the Qurʾān’s rhetorical and semantic inimitability, contributing—both historically and contemporarily—to deepening exegetical understanding and expanding the scope of textual meaning. It further recommends integrating this type of study into Qurʾānic exegesis and Qurʾānic narrative studies, given its value in providing precise methodological tools for understanding the text and comprehending its interpretive dimensions.