of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved (Session 18)
The Holy Qur'an, the unparalleled Divine discourse, has long been the focal point of profound dialogues among Islamic communities. One of the fundamental issues in Qur'anic sciences is the comprehensibility of this celestial book and the concept of "Man Khutab Bihi", which raises essential questions concerning the primary addressees and the manner of benefiting from its teachings. This book, relying on scholarly lectures and precise analyses, examines this topic from historical, theological, and exegetical perspectives. The objective is to present a balanced and comprehensive viewpoint that honours the grandeur of the Holy Qur'an while facilitating universal access to this ocean of knowledge.
The structure of this work consists of systematic sections inspired by the original content and supplementary analyses, exploring various dimensions of the comprehensibility of the Holy Qur'an and the status of its specific and general audiences. Each section is enriched with conclusions and semantic linkages to provide a coherent and engaging text for academic readers.
The Holy Qur'an, like an incomparable jewel, possesses names and attributes that manifest its magnificence and comprehensiveness. Titles such as "Light," "Guidance," and "Proof" not only refer to the exalted status of this book within the Islamic epistemological system but also serve as keys to understanding and benefiting from it. These attributes render the Holy Qur'an an inexhaustible source for extracting sciences and knowledge.
The emphasis on the "limited expanse" of the Holy Qur'an is an endeavour to elucidate the characteristics of this book within the framework of human comprehension. This concept demonstrates that although the Holy Qur'an encompasses profound and extensive meanings, these meanings are presented in a manner accessible and utilizable by humans. This perspective regards the Qur'an not only as a religious book but as a comprehensive source for guidance in all aspects of life.
The grandeur of the Holy Qur'an lies in its names and attributes, which make it an unparalleled source of guidance and knowledge. This section lays the foundation for understanding the exalted status of the Qur'an in the ensuing discussion.
Throughout history, the Holy Qur'an has confronted numerous challenges and crises, ranging from distortion and misinterpretation to deviation in understanding and application. These hazards have arisen from various intellectual currents such as the Kharijites and Mu'tazilites, as well as from extremist and lax interpretations. Nevertheless, the steadfastness and adaptability of the Holy Qur'an have preserved it against these threats.
Verse: Indeed, We sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will be its guardian. (Surah Al-Hijr: 9)
This verse is a Divine promise to protect the Holy Qur'an from any human tampering. The concept of "preservation" refers not only to verbal immunity but also to the safeguarding of the Qur'anic meanings and knowledge. This Divine guarantee renders allegations of distortion invalid.
Despite encountering historical hazards, the Holy Qur'an, through Divine preservation, remains protected from any form of distortion and deviation. This section highlights the significance of the Qur'ans resilience against historical challenges.
Within Islamic societies, two opposing perspectives have emerged concerning the comprehensibility of the Holy Qur'an: one contends that the Qur'an is incomprehensible, and the other asserts it is understandable by all. These two poles have respectively resulted in laxity and excess in the understanding of the Qur'an.
The lax view, prevalent in some Islamic currents, considered the Holy Qur'an so profound and complex that it was only comprehensible to a select group. This view led to alienation from the Qur'an and limiting oneself to mere recitation. Conversely, the extremist view regarded the Qur'an as an ordinary book that any individual with knowledge of Arabic could understand without the guidance of scholars.
The lax perspective in certain Islamic societies, especially among some religious scholars, led to scrupulosity in recitation and avoidance of understanding the Qur'anic meanings. This approach limited the application of the Holy Qur'an in jurisprudence and daily life, distancing the community from its knowledge. For instance, some even hesitated in reciting simple surahs such as "Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad" and feared approaching the meanings of verses.
In contrast, the extremist view, more common among certain Sunni currents, emphasised the Arabic nature of the Qur'an and its universal comprehensibility, which resulted in arbitrary and sometimes misleading interpretations. This view disregarded the special status of the specific addressees of the Qur'an (Man Khutab Bihi).
Historical disagreements regarding the comprehensibility of the Holy Qur'an, arising from extremism and laxity, led to estrangement from this celestial book in some societies. Finding a balanced approach to understanding the Qur'an is an undeniable necessity.
The concept of "Man Khutab Bihi" denotes the specific addressees of the Holy Qur'an, who, in Shia narrations, particularly refer to the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them). This concept points to deeper layers of Qur'anic meanings accessible only to a particular group.
Narration: Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, the Qur'an is known only by those to whom it has been addressed."
This narration emphasises the special status of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) as the possessors and educators of the Qur'an. However, this concept does not negate the comprehensibility of the Qur'an for the general public but indicates the existence of deeper layers for specific addressees.
Shia narrations, such as the dialogue between Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) and Abu Hanifah, demonstrate that the complete understanding of the Qur'anic truths, especially its esoteric interpretation, is exclusive to the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them). Nevertheless, this does not preclude others from benefiting from the apparent and inner meanings of the Qur'an according to their understanding and proximity.
The concept of "Man Khutab Bihi" underscores the special status of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) in comprehending the truths of the Qur'an, yet it does not hinder the comprehensibility of the Qur'an for the general public. This perspective offers a balance between specific and general understanding.
The Holy Qur'an itself emphasises its comprehensibility. Several verses clarify this reality:
Verse: "Do they not then ponder on the Qur'an?" (Surah An-Nisa: 82)
Tadabbur (deep reflection), which is a stage beyond mere understanding, indicates the Qur'ans invitation to contemplation and grasping its meanings.
Verse: "Indeed, We have made the Qur'an easy to remember, so is there anyone who will be mindful?" (Surah Al-Qamar: 17)
This verse emphasises the facilitation of the Qur'an for understanding and benefit.
The Holy Qur'an is not only a book for recitation but also a source for practical application in life. From jurisprudence and ethics to sciences and knowledge, the Qur'an can provide guidance on various issues. Limiting oneself to mere recitation obstructs the realisation of this books infinite capacities.
The Holy Qur'an, by emphasising comprehensibility and practical application, offers a universal invitation to benefit from its knowledge. This section highlights the importance of moving beyond mere recitation to practical application.
The Holy Qur'an, like an endless ocean, contains profound and extensive knowledge that is comprehensible both to the general public and, in deeper layers, to specific addressees. The balanced viewpoint, consistent with verses and narrations, regards the Qur'an as a book from which every individual can benefit according to their understanding and proximity. Historical problems, such as laxity in comprehension and scrupulosity in recitation, led to estrangement from the Qur'an in some Islamic societies. However, the revival of Qur'anic culture, especially amid social transformations, has paved the way for practical benefit from this book. To realise the capacities of the Holy Qur'an, it is necessary to move beyond mere recitation and focus on its application in various aspects of life.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
