قرآن شناخت

A new analysis of the interaction of semantics and interpretation
of the Qur’ān by the Qur’ān as inspired from Izutsu’s viewpoint

Hamed Sajedi/ MA Student of Qur’ānic Sciences                                                        sajedi2@gmail.com

Abolfazl Sajedi/ Associate Professor of IKI

Received: 2016/05/02 - Accepted: 2016/10/09

Abstract

"Semantics" is one of the modern sciences in the West which are considered to be among the sub-branches of linguistics and seeking a better understanding of the meaning of speech as well as exploring semantic mechanisms through a scientific method. One of the new and efficient perspectives in this field is the semantic viewpoint of Toshihiko Izutsu a Japanese Qur’ānic scholar. In fact, by applying ethno-semantics in the text of the Qur’ān, he has introduced a new method of interpreting the "Qur’ān by the Qur’ān". However, his view is involved with shortcomings and ambiguities. In fact, he has just taken the initial steps and now the ensuing and complementary steps are necessary to be taken.

This paper seeks to do away with the ambiguity of this hypothesis and to develop and complete it through “descriptive-analytical” method to contribute towards a more accurate and precise interpretation of the Qur’ān through achieving devolved semantics. The present paper deals with "methodological" issues after removing the two elements of “linguistic relativism” and “untranslatability” from ethno-semantics basis. Izutsu has spoken of the influence of ideology in understanding the meaning of words. To understand the interaction of language and worldview better and more precisely, he indicates that the speaker’s worldview can be divided into five domains. By and large, it can be said that the five Qur’ānic worldviews should be considered instrumental in understanding the words of the Qur’ān: assertoric worldview as a transversal meaning of word assertoric worldview as a longitudinal meaning of word; graphic worldview, conceptual worldview; literal worldview.

Keywords: Interpretation of the Qur’ān by the Qur’ān, Ethno-semantics, Izutsu, Worldview, Speake.

Thematic interpretation in "Bihar al-Anwar"

Somayeh Montazer/ PhD Student of Qur’ān Sciences and Hadith             somayeh.montazer@yahoo.com

Hassan Taremirad/ Scientific Deputy of the Foundation for the Encyclopedia of Islam

Mansour Pahlawan / Faculty Member of Tehran University, Faculty of Theology

Received: 2016/10/24 - Accepted: 2017/03/08

Abstract

Considering the inclusiveness and extensiveness of the subjects of "Bihar al-Anwar", on the one hand, and the completeness of verses in each chapter on the other, the order and coherence of Allāma Majlīsī’s approach to interpretation become evident. The study of the content of chapters including both verses and interpretation represents his development and innovation in collecting verses based on thematic fields of interpretation in "Bihar al-Anwar which is followed by providing preliminaries to reach the next stage through quoting scholars and commentators and through critical study of their views.

Analysis, inference and comment are the main phase of an interpretation which has been carried out by late Majlīsī through answering the questions and resolving the contradictions based on the principles of interpretation. The result of the study ultimately proves the extent and strength of Allāma Majlīsī 's work. Allāma Majlīsī's scrutiny in preferring some commentators viewpoints based on the context of the Qur’ānic verses, reputation and traditions as well as his critical observation on some other exegetical viewpoints, due to being in contrary with certainties of faith and due to preventing pretentious interpretation, is the proof of this study. Though it cannot be claimed that he had been following the thematic interpretation according to its current method, the depth and precision of his work in "Bihār al-Anwār" is such that it can be a source of inspiration and progress for scholars and experts in the field of thematic interpretation.

Keywords: Thematic interpretation, Bihār al-Anwār, Thematic approach to the verses, collecting the verses.

The Realism of the Descriptive Propositions of the Holy Qur’ān: Substantiation Method and Evidences

Mohammad Reza Amin/ Assistant Professor of IKI                                           mr.amin451@yahoo.com

Ahmad Vaezi/ Professor of Baqir al-Ulum University                                    ahmadvaezi01@hotmail.com

Received: 2016/09/14 - Accepted: 2017/01/14

Abstract

One of the major issues associated with the language of the Qur’ān is the realism and verisimilitude of its descriptive propositions.

Unlike previous works, we consider the realism different from cognitivity, which consists of two components, “the Intention of telling the truth” and "correspondence with reality". Moreover, contrary to the dominant idea, the realism of the descriptive proposition of the Qur’ān, in addition to extra-religious reasons, sometimes can be proved through Qur’ānic and tradition based reasons, in a way that does not lead to begging the question or circular reasoning. To prove this, after extending the methodology of discussion, explaining and proving the possibility of using religious reasons, we have utilized the Qur’ānic and tradition based narrative reasons as well as rational arguments raised in the Qur’ān, which represent the attributes of Allah and the Qur’ān as we have also used the principality of the literal meaning (Isalatu al-Zawahir)

Keywords: Qur’ānic propositions, narrative reasons, rational reasons, the way of proofing the realism.

The Study of the Qur’ān’s Divination
Based on Various Readings of the "Initial Verses of Surah Rum

Ismail Sultani Beyrami/ Assistant Professor of IKI                                                        soltani@qabas.net

Mohammad Omidian/ Graduate of Qom Seminary

Received: 2016/07/26 - Accepted: 2016/12/08

Abstract

Among the different miracles of the Qur’ān are its historical prophecies. The opening verses of the Surah Rum are the most famous prophecies of the Holy Qur’ān. However, based on a widely-held opinion and the tradition of al-Kafi as well as a saying which is not well-known, there are three readings associated with these verses each requiring a specific interpretation. This paper seeks to assess this historical divination through “descriptive analytical” method and it has determined many solutions to reconcile between these interpretations. The result of this study shows that the problems and criticism directed to the widely held interpretation, is not valid enough. Furthermore, in case of resolving the objections made against the narration of al-Kafi, as justified to be a hermeneutic interpretation, it is possible to reconcile among the generally accepted interpretation of the verse, the narration and the hermeneutic interpretation which is not generally accepted. Finally, even if these three interpretations are not presumably reconcilable, each involves a prophecy that occurred and is a conclusive argument to prove the miracles of the Qur'an.

Keywords: Miracles of the Qur’ān, prophecy, Surah Rum, various readings.

A Critical Study of Rippin’s Viewpoints on the Origin
and Function of Different Readings of the Qur’ān

Somayeh Jafari Kalahrodi / MSc in Qur’ānic Science and Hadith                  somayehjafary@yahoo.com

Nusrat Nilsaz/ Assistant Professor of Tarbiat Modarres University

Received: 2016/06/20 - Accepted: 2016/12/11

Abstract

Andrew Rippin, one of the most prominent of contemporary Qur’ānic scholars has, in numerous articles, studied the Verses 95 of Sura al-Anbia, 40 of al- Araf, and 24 of Naba.  He has also studied the challenges which the interpreters encounter in dealing with difficult syntactic structures or strange vocabularies in these verses as well as the role of different readings in this process.

He, like other skeptic orientalists, has considered the chains of authorities relating Islamic traditions as totally invalid. He has also considered the attribution of the Qur’ānic readings to the first generation of Muslims, which is the only way to validate these readings, as fake and forgery. Rippin considers the influence of biblical concepts and theological-ideological motives effective in appearance of various readings in a period of time, which ultimately led to consolidation of the text. In this inquiry, his viewpoints concerning the origin of the discrepancy in the readings and their main functions have been elaborated upon and critically assessed.

Keywords: Difference of the readings, source, function, Andrew Rippin.

Religious Intellectual Genealogy of Nazzam Neyshaburi

Ahmad Mohammad Majd/ Assistant Professor of MIU                                              ahmad@yahoo.com

Received: 2016/11/09 - Accepted: 2017/03/09

Abstract

Truthfulness and expressing the facts is among the invaluable characteristics in scientific researches. Unfortunately, sometimes, due to various reasons, issues are raised which are not yet established; Like what Dhahabī has said about Nazzām Neyshaburi, the famous commentator, that" there is no evidence to prove his Shiism in his commentary. This paper seeks to study this view and exposes the criterion of its truth and falsehood for the truth seekers. Meanwhile, we try as well to find out one of the most important characters of commentators’ biography which is their intellectual and religious genealogy.

In this regard, we have confined to what the Nazzam has stated about his cognitive and religious view in his invaluable interpretation- Gharaeb al-Qur’ān and Rghaeb al-Fūrqān.Wherever Nazzām has found an opportunity to express his religious beliefs, in his interpretation, he has stated many evidences and reasons for his dependence on Shi'ism.

Keywords: Nazzām Neshabūri, Gharaeb al- Qur’ān, Religion, Shi'ism, Sunnism.