Journal of Researches of Quran and Hadith Sciences
Year:2007 | Volume:3 | Issue:2 (6)|Papers Count:6

Illuminating its range of knowledge is one of the prior assumptions about Qur'an; whatever the view on it, it will have a great impact on explaining its intents and guidances. The contemporary exegetes (14th and 15th centuries AH.) have payed special signification to this issue and therefore, by dedicating a broader scope to religion's function, were about to prove a wider impact and efficiency of Qur'an in life.Seyyed-i Qutb is one of these exegetes focusing his attention to the comprehensiveness of Qur'an, has accepted this as one of his main principles in interpreting Qur'an and explaining Islam's notions and teachings. In this article we have examined the variety of Qutb's opinion about this issue, take into consideration its causes and traits, specially in accordance to Shiite scholars, mentioning its necessities and implications.

Wansbrough in his challenging book, Quranic Studies, denying the reliability of isnād in indicating the chronology of ancient texts, has suggested the text analysis instead. He has applied this method for the chronology of old text prior to Tabari exegesis, including that of Calbi. Accordingly he designates roughly the year 200 to it. Using the same method, Rippin reconsiders its chronology proposes the late third century. In this article these two orientalists' text analysis concerning this exegesis has been critically examined.

The Predecessors, by collecting numerous names or attributes (adjectives) for one or several named entities, without referring to the term "tarāduf” (synonymy), have presented some simple or a little various lexicons which eventually led to the formation of greater lexicons. Taking advantage of this introduction, we can probably say that. the first lexicographers were synonym-graphers. "Ikhtilāf-i alrāāz" (diversity of the words and "Ittiraq-I ma'ani" (unity of the senses) were also some other terminologies in this concern. In addition to these grounds, the goal was prosecuted in other various subjects as well. After the third century, the term "tarāduf” found its way into books and replaced the previous terms. Rummani and Ibn-i Paris were introduced to be the first ones to apply the term "tarāduf”. However, deliberating on some people such as Hamadani and Tirmidzi we find out that they were the first who did it and thus, the formers lose the mentioned priority. Therefore, the historical background of the usage of term changes a little, going back even further.There exists a specific relation between the meaning of the derivatives of "r-d-f' in the Qur'an and the terminological concept of "tarāduf”, i.e., the absence of total agreement of words. This justifies the Predecessors' assumption in absence of total synonymy. In some subjects of the Qur'ranic studies, is synonymy mentioned as in that of "the seven letters" wherein, based upon the rational and narrative reasons, they should be excluded from the subject. But in other subjects as: "emphasis, analogue verses and interpretation" the clarified definition of synonymy must be taken into consideration. Synonymy may be included in such subjects if taken according to the definition given by the Predecessors.

The exegesis attributed to Imam Hasan Askarī (Pbuh) is one of the first Shīī exegeses, whose authenticity was discussed early. Those rejecting its genuine have criticized it, considering both its isnad and text. Allāme Shushtarī is one of these scholars. In his book "Al-Akhbār Al-Dakhile", he has argued about its isnād in brief. He has also examined. its text, which is considered the most extensive and in detail critic of the text. In this study of the text, he has most of all recoursed to Qur'ān, reason, tradition and historical information; the former obtaining the highest Frequncy.

Selecting "readings" (Qirā'āt) is an important issue with certain norms and criteria for distinguishing the correct ones. Deciding on readings has at least raised at the late first century, informally. At the beginning of fourth century due to measures taken by Ibn-i Mujāhid and his special focus on seven readings, this campaign has been limited; although at the same time and later on, experts still chose in between readings. Sunni scholars have mostly favoured this subject, while it was roughly accepted by Shias. Intellectuals as Ibn-i Mujahid (d. 324), Ibn-i Khālivayh (d. 370), Ibn-I Shannabfiz (d. 327), Ibn-i al-jazari (d'- 833) and others have suggested some criteria for differentiating and choosing "readings". Some of Them are: the authenticity of isnad, accordance to arabic grammatical rules, and more probably, accordance to Othmanic calligraphy of Qur'an. Among the Shias, M. H. Ma'rifat has also suggested some norms for it. In the present article, we have discussed the definition for "selecting", its history and norms.

The issue of ruyat Allah on the day of resurrection, which is believed in by Ash'aira relying on narrative evidence while refuted by Mu'tazilia and Shia depending on rational proofs, is one of the most debating subjects between these two theological schools. They both recourse to Qur'anic exegesis, prophetic traditions and rational evidences, for or against each other's views. Ash'aries trying to avoid dogmatic implications of their beliefs ending to "substantiation" of Allah, were forced to suggest his vision "without how" (Bila kayf), it means that at that time, he will make it possible for believers but not as that of usual seeing which necessiates facing him or other observance properities in this word. In this article, all the verses and traditions referred to in this debate along with evidences given, will be argued.