The Method of Exegesis of the Prophet’s Household

The Tafsīr methodology practiced by the Prophet’s Household (a.s.) exemplifies an intricate and precise approach to interpreting the Qur’an, grounded in the principle of allowing the Qur’an to explain itself. This approach, highlighted extensively by Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli in Tafsīr al-Tasnim, not only enhances our understanding of the Qur’anic text but also sheds light on its application across jurisprudence, theology, and spiritual teachings. The Infallibles (a.s.) demonstrated this methodology with unparalleled depth, showcasing the Qur’an’s internal harmony and interconnectedness.

One notable instance of this exegetical approach is reflected in Imam ʿAli’s (a.s.) synthesis of two verses: And the mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years (2:233) and ...his gestation and weaning is thirty months... (46:15). Through this comparison, he deduced that the minimum gestation period is six months, a finding with profound implications, such as the revocation of unjust judicial sentences. Similarly, Imam Jawad (a.s.) offered a nuanced interpretation of And the places of prostration [masājid] are for God (72:18) in relation to And as for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands (5:38). By understanding masājid as referring to the hands’ sanctity during prostration, he argued that the punishment for theft involves cutting off fingers rather than the entire hand, contrasting sharply with the extremist views of the Khawārij.

This exegetical method also extends to the Prophet’s teachings, as reflected in his directive: Indeed, the Qur’an confirms parts of itself with other parts, so do not contradict one part with another. Imam ʿAli (a.s.) further emphasized this approach, likening the Qur’an to a living entity whose parts testify to one another. This coherence and self-referential nature of the Qur’an formed the bedrock of their interpretative methodology, allowing for a cohesive understanding of its verses.

Beyond the Prophet’s Household, this method influenced subsequent exegetes. While figures such as Muḥammad ʿAbduh and Rashīd Riḍā acknowledged its validity, they only partially engaged with it, lacking the comprehensive application seen in the Infallibles. Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli acknowledges their contributions while emphasizing the unparalleled depth achieved by Allama Tabatabai in Tafsīr al-Mīzān. This seminal work represents the zenith of the Qur’an-by-Qur’an methodology, meticulously unraveling the scripture’s meanings through its own verses.

The Tafsīr approach extends to Islamic legal theory, where scholars specify generalities, contextualize absolutes, and investigate abrogation using corroborating Qur’anic evidence. This tradition of employing all available Qur’anic insights to deduce rulings underscores the scripture’s comprehensive nature as a divine guide. Furthermore, the practice of reconciling various parts of a text—a method rooted in the rational practice of the discerning—received tacit endorsement from the Imāms, reflecting its legitimacy in understanding the Qur’an’s intricate layers.

In the poetic words inspired by this tradition:

“Though many beauties have emerged, None can match the grace and charm of our beloved.”

These words encapsulate the elegance and profound insight of interpreting the Qur’an through its own lens, a method that continues to illuminate the hearts and minds of seekers. This legacy, as Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli illustrates, remains a cornerstone of Islamic scholarship, bridging the divine word and human understanding.

Reference

Tafsir al-Tasnim (Introduction, Explaining the Qur’an by the Qur’an)