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In the Name of God
A Research on the Interpretation of and Commentary on
the
Ayahs of the Holy Quran – Part II
(Note: This article is based on research by Ostad Mousavi on the first
Ayah of the Holy Surah Nahl)
What
Does Interpretation Mean?
The word "interpretation" means becoming apparent of what is hidden
within and the meaning becoming apparent. Interpretation is describing
the fundamental points (the same as that described regarding the word “salat”
in the previous article).
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Interpretation is a tool used even by a physician. A doctor uses a
stethoscope to listen to his/her patient's heartbeat in order to find
out the condition the patient is in or for other purposes. Detecting
pain is called interpretation. The same tool which is used to detect or
diagnose an illness is a basis for interpretation.
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Explaining the Words of Allah is called interpretation.
What is the difference between "Tanzil" (descent and sending
down) and "Ta'wil" (explanation and finding reference)?
The Ayahs of the Holy Quran have both a "Tanzil" and a "Ta'wil".
"Tanzil" is when the Ayahs were sent down. For example an Ayah
was sent down for Zakat (alms giving) or for Jihad or for
Hajj or for Solh (making peace). This is called "Tanzil"
which means the Ayah was sent down. Where was it sent down from? Where
does it come from? How were the letters and words of the Quran formed?
What was their status? Through which worlds did they travel? All these
refer to "Tanzil". "Nuzul" is when the Ayahs came down.
But "Ta'wil" continues until the Day of Judgment.
For
example an Ayah was sent down for Zakat at a specific time but
Zakat should continuously be paid by all eligible followers of the
Holy Quran. This is true until Qiyamat (the Day of Judgment).
This is the explanation of "Ta'wil", which means continuity. In
other words, from the time of Rasulullah (PBUH) until the eradication of
mankind (if they will ever be eradicated) this order of the Holy Quran
which was sent down is true and applicable.
"Tanzil" was the specific time when the Ayahs of the Holy Quran
were sent down to the heart of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and "Ta'wil"
is that we are following the orders given by Allah after over 14
centuries.
Therefore, at present the Holy Quran is being explained (Ta'wil)
not sent down (Tanzil).
In
addition the Holy Quran has two other aspects; one is Muhkamat,
and the other one is Mutishabahat. Muhkamat are those
which are revealed through the Ahkam (Islamic commandments) and
are religiously compulsory. On the other hand, Mutishabahat are
not comprehended by all interpreters.
Were the meanings of the Mutishabahat revealed at the time of
Imam Ali (AS)? No, some Ayahs were not fully interpreted at the time of
Imam Ali (AS). For some reason they were neither revealed at the time of
our other Imams. These Ayahs should remain until they will only and
solely be revealed by our Twelfth Imam, Imam Zaman (may Allah hasten
his reappearance). Only he will reveal what is hidden under the
surface of these Ayahs. Therefore, some Ayahs are Muhkamat and
some Mutishabahat.
Are Nasikh and Mansukh (abolishment and obliteration)
real? Many scholars say these terms are true; meaning that the
subsequent Ayahs abolish or obliterate their preceding Ayahs. This is
difficult for me to comprehend which I think constitutes either
ignorance or self-interest.
We
are neither in favor of self-interest nor ignorance in our deeds and
acts.
When it is said that a person gives an order on an issue and
subsequently changes that order, this constitutes either ignorance or
self-interest. None of these exist in Almighty Allah.
Therefore, it should be said that Nasikh and Mansukh
refer to other principle issues. Most interpreters of the Holy Quran
have accepted these two terms.
Allow me to explain this issue more clearly: It is said that when
Prophet Ismail was going to be beheaded by his father, an order for
Naskh (obliteration) was given. In other words, initially an order
was given by Allah for beheading Ismail and as soon as the knife was put
on Ismail's throat and it did not cut his throat, this Ayah was revealed
that "We ransomed him with a great sacrifice" which abolished (Naskh)
the previous order.
The best example which could be given for Nasikh and Mansukh
(abolishment and obliteration) was the example of Prophet Abraham and
his son which is accepted by all.
In
the next article we will explain more views of professor Mousavi on the
above points. |