منهج الشيعة الإمامية الاثني عشرية في التفسير بين القرنين الثاني عشر والخامس عشر الهجريين

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the methodology of exegesis ( tafsir ) of the Quran, its foundations and sources used by the Twelver Shi'ites. As expected, given the historical development, the Shi'ite differ from the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah on belief, politics, jurisprudence and the like. This is substantiated by examining the opinions of scholars of the two schools and, where necessary, comparing the exegesis of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah and Twelver Shi'ite. The Shi'ite methodology is explored through historical analysis and the examination of the books of exegesis written by three prominent Twelver Shi'ite scholars; Al Tabatabai's, Al Mizan fi Tafsir Al Quran, AI Sayyid Abdullah Al Alawi's, Al Tafsir Al Wajiz, and Muhammad Habibullah Al Sabzawari's, Al Jadid fi Tafsir Al Quran Al Majid. The study found that the Shi'ite exegesis remains the same from twelfth century A.H until fifteenth century A.H. The Twelver Shi'ite rely on the sayings of only those companions of the Prophet (SAAS) that seem trustworthy to them, while other sayings are rejected. They also rely upon the sayings of their Imams. It is observed that occasionally when they are in doubt regarding the interpretation of the Quran, they resort to the fabrication of stories. Odd interpretations offered by Shi'ite authors and their corrupt explanations which deviate from sound Islamic belief and teachings have been identified.