A Critique of the Article Entitled "Final Commentary of the Oaths in the Quran"

Ali Akbar Shayestehnezhad*

Abstract

It is difficult to speak and write about concepts and sciences of the Quran. It needs serious attention and a review of the different dimensions and views. Scientific-research articles should be problem-based, well-documented and soundly based and help the production of science through pondering over the different dimensions of a subtitle. The criticism and analysis of such articles have special difficulty and need the reliance on absolute and undeniable facts. The paper entitled "Final Commentary of Oaths in Quran" has some strength but needs a fundamental criticism. The present paper is a kind of basic research. After making explicit some of the defects of aforementioned article, this paper shows that the last words of Quranic verses are at the service of their valuable and lofty meanings and are irrelevant independently, and that explaining the different meanings of a single word not only does not create confusion, but also prepares the ground for the development and transcendence of the discipline of commentary.

Key words: criticism, Hussein Toufiqi, the oaths in the Quran, Muqatta'at (isolated letters of the Quran), the last words of verses.

The Nature and Domain of the Knowledge of Names

Seyyed Ali Hashemi*

Abstract

The present paper investigates the nature and domain of a discipline to which Quran refers as "the Knowledge of Names". A descriptive-analytical method is used in this research. Man's acquaintance with this discipline is the reason for his superiority over the angels and sign of his qualification to be God's vicegerent on the earth. The Angels were not able to learn this knowledge completely; therefore, they admitted Prophet Adam's high dignity. Different views have been proposed to give a clear picture of this valuable Knowledge. This paper, however, concludes that the Knowledge of Names means the acquaintance with the Names and Most Beautiful attributes of the Most High God, which is, no doubt, limitedly possible for those other than God. It is an immediate knowledge and includes celestial realities and knowledge of material world. No doubt, due to requirements of material world, one who has this knowledge cannot do without revelation and other ways of acquiring divine sciences. This knowledge was not exclusive to the Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) but other prophets and Imams (peace be upon them) had access to it.

Key words: especial sciences, Divine Names, Adam's knowledge, man's dignity, Imams' sciences.

The Secret behind the Different Challenges of the Quran in Professor Misbah's View

Ismail Sultani Beyrami*

Abstract

One of the rational evidence which confirms that the Quran is a Divine Book is Quranic verses of challenge. The present paper elaborates on Professor Misbah's view about the secret behind the different challenging verses of the Quran through recognizing the order of revelation of mentioned verses and examining the views on the secret behind the various challenges. There are three main views on the secret behind challenges: 1.a challenge concerning the type of the Quran; 2. the difference between those who are challenged and their time; 3- grading challenges from more difficult to easier. Different explanations are given for the third view which is compatible with the logical and natural process of challenging. These explanations are typically unacceptable due to their incompatibility with the traditions relating to the order of revelation of the verse or its context, or due to their inability to respond to the claim of polytheists who say all the verses of the Quran are invented. Professor Misbah holds that first the whole Quran and then a Chapter (sura), and finally ten Chapters are introduced as challenges, which, are altogether, like a complete Chapter of the Quran. This view is not only compatible with the revelation order of the verses of challenge and their Final parts and related issues and can reject polytheiests' claim, but also conforms with the characterization of "ten Chapters" as "Methlah (similar to it)" and "Moftariyyat (accusations).

Key words: miracle of the Quran, challenge, order of revelations, the secret behind the challenge, Ayatollah Misbah Yazdi.

The Relationship between Narrative Elements in the Short Stories of the Quran

Seyyed Salman Moosavi Talookalaii*, 'Abbas Ashrafi**

Abstract

The narrative elements of Quranic short stories (that is, the components of story which are particularly organized to fulfill the narrator's aim) basically serve the moral and educational message of the story. Therefore, the narrative elements are used to the extent that they serve the purpose. A short story usually consists of such elements as introduction, characters and characterization, dialogue, setting and setting-management (time and location) theme or thought and an end. Using content analysis method, the present paper seeks to expound the relationship between the elements of the short stories in the Quran. All the narrative elements in the short stories of the Quran have a living interrelationship and are intended to fulfill the educational aim of the story.

Key words: the Quran, short story, relationship between the elements of story, Quranic short stories, stories of the Quran.

The Verse of Commentary (16: 44) and Permissibility of Using Ijtihadi  Commentary Method

Majid Shamkolahi*

Abstract

The acquaintance with the meanings and aims of Quranic verses is contingent upon their commentary and their commentary is contingent upon a "commentary method". Among different commentary methods, "Ijtihadi method (a Method Based on Independent Reasoning) is the most remarkable one, because the commentator uses all commentary techniques to have access to the sciences of the Quran in this method. The present paper elucidates the permissibility of Ijtihadi Commentary in the light of the commentary verse (16: 44) and proves that, despite the idea that the verse of commentary testifies to the prohibition of "Ijtihadi commentary", this verse not only indicates the permissibility of this commentary method, but it is also one of the key documents of the Quran.

Key words: commentary, speculation, commentary method, Ijtihadi commentary.

A Review of the Theory of Indicative Autonomy of the Quran

Amir Reza Ashrafi*, Akbar Sajedi**

Abstract

'Allamah Tabatabaii has inferred the theory of indicative autonomy of the Quran form some Quranic verses and made it as the basis for his commentary method. The present paper seeks to explain this theory, investigate its role in 'Allamah Tabatabaii's commentary method and reply to a number of criticisms. 'Allamah Tabatabaii believes that the Quran is in need of nothing other than the very Quran to explain the meaning of its content. However, for demonstrating the details, instances and inner dimensions of Quranic verses, there is a need to refer to infallible Imam's explanations. This need, however, arises when dealing with the issues which the Quran has not explained them.

Key words: indicative autonomy of the Quran, interpreting the Quran by Quran, the position of traditions in the Quran commentary.

The Principles of Subjective Approach in Commentary

Ali Fathi*, Mahmud Rajabi**

Abstract

The subjective approach emphasizes on the involvement of mental factors in commentary and holds that the meaning of the text has no external existence before commentary. A review of the epistemological and theoretical principles of the subjective approach to interpret religious texts is the best means of confronting the negative effects it has. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the present paper underlines the relationship between the subjective approach and three central concepts of "reality", "language", and "method". According to the subjective approach, there is no such reality as conformity and if there, it is relative. This approach also holds that there is no method to achieve reality and the language does not reflect it. Accordingly, the commentary in the sense of attaining the reality through language and method is impossible. According to rational principles, however, commentary consists of reality as the feature of the problem, language as the means of conveying the meaning, and method as the way of attaining it.

Key words: the subjective approach, objectivism, commentary of text, reality, language, method.

* Assistant professor of Quranic sciences and tradition department, Tarbiat Modarres (Instructor Training) University

Received: 2013-4-10 - Accepted: 2013-8-3                                                         asm2us@yahoo.com

* PhD student of Islamic Kalam (theology), Al-Mustafa International University           s.a.h@chmail.ir

Received: 2012-9-7 - Accepted: 2013-6-9

* Assistant professor of IKI                                                                                     Soltani@qabas.net

Received: 2012-3-4 - Accepted: 2013-8-26

* MA of Quranic sciences                                                                   moosavi_salman@yahoo.com

** Assistant professor of 'Allamah Tabatabaii University                          dr_a_ashrafi@yahoo.com

Received: 2012-8-7 - Accepted: 2013-9-5

* PhD student of Quranic sciences and commentary department, IKI              shams124000@yahoo.com

Received: 2012-9-13 - Accepted: 2013-6-29

* Assistant professor of Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute

** Instructor of religious sciences department, Tabriz medical university      akbarsajedi@gmail.com

Received: 2012-3-1 - Accepted: 2013-6-9

* Assistant professor of research center of seminary and university                                afathi@rihu.ac.ir

** Professor of IKI

Received: 2013-1-8 - Accepted: 2013-8-3