Detailed Abstract
Research Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine the foundational principles of ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī's deviation from the rule of context in Tafsir al-Mizan in his exegesis al-Mīzān fī Tafsīr al-Qurʾān. ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī is one of the Qur’anic exegetes who have most extensively utilized the rule of context to ascertain the divine intent, and in some instances, he even considers the implication of the context stronger than the apparent meaning of narrations. However, an examination of his interpretation of certain Qur’anic verses reveals instances where ʿAllāmah deviates from this rule, contrary to his general exegetical approach. The aim of this research is to identify the basis for his departure from the widely applied rule of context in Tafsīr al-Mīzān. This study will, while outlining ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī's principles of interpretation, the types of contexts, and the conditions for its application, also discuss the role of context in uncovering and determining the meaning of Qur’anic vocabulary. Finally, after noting the application and functions of the rule of context in al-Mīzān fī Tafsīr al-Qurʾān in order to arrive at the divine intent, the research will address the foundational principles for ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī's deviation from the rule of context in specific verses and his presentation of meanings contrary to it.
Research Methodology: In order to obtain the foundational principles underlying ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī's deviation from the rule of context, the functions of context within Tafsīr al-Mīzān were initially examined through a library-based approach. Instances where ʿAllāmah, contrary to the rule of context, arrived at the serious divine intent beyond the literal usage were identified. Subsequently, the basis for his departure from the rule of context in the interpretation of Qur’anic verses in Tafsīr al-Mīzān was elucidated using a descriptive and analytical method.
Research Findings: ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī stands out as a Qur’anic exegete who has extensively employed the widely applicable rule of context to arrive at the interpretation of verses and the divine intent. He utilized this rule for various purposes, including discerning the meanings of Qur’anic verses, specifying the meaning of verses, understanding the semantics of the words within the Holy Qur’an's verses, accepting or rejecting narrations in the interpretation of verses, and prioritizing certain exegetical opinions in the interpretation of verses.
Furthermore, the late ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī, in Tafsīr al-Mīzān, has employed this rule in instances where exegetes differ regarding the Meccan or Medinan origin of a Surah or verses, to distinguish between Meccan and Medinan verses. He has also used it in cases of differing recitations among Qur’anic exegetes to favor one recitation over others when such variations exist.
Alongside the functions of the rule of context in Tafsīr al-Mīzān, ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī, in certain instances, has not only refrained from using the rule of context but has also presented exegetical interpretations that contradict it. He has, in some cases, deviated from the rule of context and offered meanings contrary to it due to the lack of connection between the beginning and end of verses, the need for the interpretation of a verse to align with its occasion of revelation, the contradiction of the verse's context with the context of preceding and succeeding verses, and to leverage the comprehensive semantic scope of the verse.
Conclusion:
The rule of context is a principle utilized by some exegetes to ascertain the serious divine intent. Through the application of the rule of context in Tafsīr al-Mīzān and the utilization of its various functions, ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī has, in numerous instances ranging from the vocabulary of verses to exegetical narrations, arrived at the divine will. Despite the significance of the rule of context for ʿAllāmah, instances are observed where he deviates from this rule, interpreting verses contrary to their context to reach the divine intent. This research has identified seven instances of verses in Tafsīr al-Mīzān where ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī departs from adhering to the principle of context in his interpretation. His four primary bases for deviating from the principle of context are: the lack of connection with the beginning and end of the verse; alignment with the occasion of revelation of the verse; the contradiction of the verse's context with the context of preceding and succeeding verses; and disregarding the context to leverage the comprehensive semantic scope of the verse, as well as verses pertaining to the Imamate of Imam Ali (PBUH) and the merits of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).