INTERPRETATION OF THE TERMS MUHKAMAT AND MUTASHABIHAT IN MEDIEVAL QUR’ANIC EXEGESIS

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  D. Shestopalets

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of the exegetical interpretation of the ayah Al Imran, 7 that mentions the issue of differentiation between two kinds of verses – muhkamat and mutashabihat. Using a source study approach, the author reviews the variety of viewpoints adopted by Muslim exegetes (Ibn Qutayba, al-Tabari, al-Jawzi, etc.) and their arguments intended to legitimate the presence of unclear, or ambiguous, verses (mutashabihat) in the structure of the Qur’an. Following the analysis of these arguments, it is concluded that Al Imran, 7 had not just become a basis for an innovative approach to formulation of the doctrine of inimitability of the Qur’an and justifying rational reasoning in Qur’anic exegesis – it also provided grounds for building a certain hierarchy of ayahs and further exploiting the “muhkam – mutashabih” division as a discursive strategy in theological discussions.

How to Cite

Shestopalets, D. (2013). INTERPRETATION OF THE TERMS MUHKAMAT AND MUTASHABIHAT IN MEDIEVAL QUR’ANIC EXEGESIS. The World of the Orient, (4 (81), 144-150. https://doi.org/10.15407/orientw2013.04.144
Article views: 51 | PDF Downloads: 21

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Keywords

exegesis, Islam, muhkamat and mutashabihat, Qur’ān, tafsir

References

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Lane E.W. (1863), An Arabic-English Lexicon: Derived From the Best and the Most Copious Eastern Sources, London.

Massignon L. (1963), “La mubahala de Médine et l’hyperdulie de Fatima”, Opera Minora, Vol. 1, Beirut.

Schmucker W. (1973), “Die christliche Minderheit von Nagran und die Problematik ihrer Beziehungen zum fruhen Islam”, Banner Orientalish Studien, N.S., Vol. 27/1.

Strothmann R. (1957), “Die Mubāhala in Tradition und Liturgi”, Der Islam, Vol. 33, Issue 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1515/islm.1957.33.1-2.5

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