The refutation [of this point of view is as follows].
In our discussion of the sixth interpretation, we dealt with the problems of clas‌ sifying the first, the fourth, and the fifth differences [cited by al-Zurqani]. In addi‌ tion, the differences in nouns and verbs share the characteristic of involving varia‌ tions in forms; hence, there is no sense in categorizing them separately. If we take into account the particulars of this classification, then it becomes necessary to re‌ gard each difference in structure-in regard to its being in the dual, plural, mascu‌ line, feminine, past, present, or imperative [forms]-as forming a separate category. In addition to that, differences in the pronunciation of the same word, involving contracting a letter into another or articulating it, or slurring a vowel or slightly articulating it, or softening a consonant or strengthening it, do not prevent it from being the same word. Ibn Qutayba, according to al-Zurqani, has already made this point.٣٥
The truth of the matter is that the points of disagreement on the readings are six in
number:
First, a difference might occur in the pronunciation of the word, which does not affect its substance, such as a disagreement on whether the word b.a.d
should be read in the past tense [baada] or in the imperative [baid], or on whether the word amanatihim٣٦ (pledge) is in the plural or the singular.
Second, a difference might occur in the meaning of the word, which does not af‌ fect its form, such as a disagreement over the word nunshizuha-whether it is writ‌ ten with the letter ra or a zayn;
Third, a difference might occur in the meaning and form of the word, such as the
disagreement over whether the word [in Q. ٧٠:٩ and Q. ١٠١:٥] is al-ihni or al-$il/
(colored wool or wool).
Fourth, a difference in the form of a word might arise from a disagreement over its desinential inflection, such as the difference in reading the wordarjulakum (accusa‌ tive case) or arjulikum (genitive case).
Fifth, a difference might occur in the position of a word in the sentence, such as
the examples that have been cited above.
Sixth, a difference might occur in the addition or omission of words, as shown in the examples above.

Single-Digit Plurality

According to this [eighth] opinion, the word seven [in the traditions] refers to a plurality of single digits [and not necessarily to the number seven only], just as the words seventy and seven hundred refer, respectively, to two- and three-digit plu‌ ralities. This opinion has been attributed to al-Qa<;a Ayya<;l and those who followed him.
The response [to this is as follows]. This opinion is contrary to the apparent mean‌ ing of the traditions. In fact, it is contrary to the explicit meaning of some of them. Moreover, this cannot be regarded as an independent view distinct from other inter‌ pretations, because it does not determine the meaning of the word /:larfs in the tradi‌ tions. This is necessary. Obviously, it accepts one of the meanings mentioned above; hence, it is refuted as they have been.