The exegesis of the Holy Qur'an, as one of the most eminent Islamic sciences, necessitates an approach that preserves the exalted status of this celestial book and protects it from unfounded and unscientific discussions. Surah Al-Baqarah, with its distinctive position within the Qur'an, provides an appropriate foundation for examining issues pertaining to Qur'anic sciences, especially the Muqattaat letters. This work, aimed at offering a scientific and systematic interpretation of the Muqattaat letters in Surah Al-Baqarah, undertakes a critique and analysis of the related statements. The content of this text, fully faithful to the delivered lectures and supplemented by comprehensive analyses, is composed in an elevated style befitting specialist audiences and academic settings. Like a mighty tree rooted in the soil of divine revelation, this treatise endeavours to nourish the branches of Qur'anic knowledge with reasoning and logic, so that it bears fruit of wisdom and science.
The Muqattaat letters, such as الٓمٓ (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 1, meaning: Alif, Lam, Meem), which appear at the beginning of certain Qur'anic chapters, constitute among the complex topics in Qur'anic sciences, around which numerous opinions have been proposed throughout the past centuries. Nevertheless, many of these views lack valid scientific or jurisprudential evidence and cannot adequately represent the exalted status of the Holy Qur'an as the Divine Word.
This absence of evidence resembles ancient locks hanging on the branches of the Qur'anic tree, obstructing the manifestation of its beauty and grandeur before the eyes of the world. Historically, interpreters sometimes resorted to poetic and unsubstantiated exegeses, such as attributing "Alif" to the stature of the beloved, "Lam" to his hair, or "Meem" to the tragedy of Karbala. Such interpretations, rooted in mystical or popular aesthetic preferences, neither aid in precise comprehension of the Holy Qur'an nor preserve its scientific dignity.
The interpretation of the Holy Qur'an, as the Divine Word, must be founded upon scientific or jurisprudential evidence to be presentable in global scholarly forums and acceptable to the intellects of the world. This principle is akin to a torch illuminating the path of truth-seeking and prevents interpreters from being led astray into baseless conjectures.
This evidence may derive from authoritative narrations, linguistic proofs, or historical analyses. Without such support, an interpretation becomes a weightless discourse that collapses like an autumn leaf under the gusts of critique.
Regarding the Muqattaat letters, over thirty to forty opinions have been proposed. The late Tabarsi referred to eleven of these opinions in Majma al-Bayan, while the late Allameh Tabataba'i summarised some of them in Al-Mizan. This diversity resembles scattered branches of a tree growing in divergent directions but lacking a common root in valid reasoning.
Both the late Tabarsi, by gathering eleven opinions, and Allameh Tabataba'i, by critiquing and summarising them, have attempted to clarify this issue. Nonetheless, many of these opinions remain shrouded in ambiguity due to the lack of scientific support.
The late Allameh Tabataba'i, as a wise scholar, showed little attachment to unsubstantiated opinions and postponed the discussion of the Muqattaat letters to Part 25 (Surah Ash-Shura). This approach is comparable to a prudent mariner avoiding entry into turbulent and unknown waters.
However, in volume 18 of Al-Mizan (page 12), he addressed certain opinions and offered critiques, reflecting his commitment to a scientific and logical approach.
Unsubstantiated and speculative statements about the Muqattaat letters should be removed from exegetical works to preserve the scientific dignity of the Holy Qur'an. This proposal is akin to purifying clear water from impurities to reveal its shining truth.
In the present era, when the Holy Qur'an is studied not only by Muslims but also by global audiences, presenting well-founded and scientific exegeses is an undeniable necessity to prevent the diminishment of this celestial book's credibility.
Today, the Holy Qur'an is studied worldwide, not solely by Muslims. This reality opens a window for the Qur'an to the international community and doubles the responsibility of interpreters to provide scientific and well-defended exegeses.
Unsubstantiated interpretations may cause distrust among global audiences and impede the acceptance of the Qur'an as a universal book.
Presenting unsubstantiated statements at the outset of exegetical works might discourage readers from continuing, much like a book whose opening pages filled with baseless content dissuade further reading.
This emphasises the importance of a well-organised and scientific structure in exegetical texts to gain the audience's trust from the outset.
The statement attributed to Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him) regarding the Muqattaat letters is not acceptable due to the lack of a valid chain of transmission. This statement, transmitted through the common populace, is like a plant without firm roots in the soil.
Verification of the authenticity of narrations is a fundamental principle in scientific exegesis; any narration lacking valid support is void of credibility.
Some assert that the Muqattaat letters are the names or keys of the Surahs. This theory, due to a lack of evidence and the presence of distinct names for the chapters, resembles a building constructed on a weak foundation.
The Surahs possess established names such as "Al-Baqarah" or "Al-Ma'idah." Assuming the chapters have dual names without textual evidence is incompatible with the dignity of the Holy Qur'an.
The naming of Surahs, such as "Al-Baqarah" (meaning The Cow) or "Al-Ma'idah" (meaning The Table Spread), raises questions about the wisdom and basis for these names. These names serve as signs hiding divine wisdom behind them.
These names, which allude to the contents of the Surahs, may seem unconventional at first glance, but their profound analysis can aid in better understanding the divine objectives.
A devout Muslim must be civilised and avoid accepting unscientific and unsubstantiated statements, akin to a scholar who discerns truth from falsehood through reason and logic.
This principle helps elevate the scientific culture in Islamic societies and prevents the acceptance of baseless assertions solely due to their attribution to scholars or narrations.
Some have considered the Muqattaat letters as indicative of the Names of Allah, but this theory is unacceptable due to the absence of evidence and the lack of necessity to encode the Names of Allah. The Holy Qur'an explicitly mentions the Names of Allah, such as لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ (Surah Taha, verse 8, meaning: "He has the most beautiful names").
The Names of Allah are openly mentioned in supplications and Qur'anic verses, such as in Al-Jawshan Al-Kabir and Al-Jawshan As-Saghir. Encoding them without textual evidence contradicts the Qur'an's guiding purpose.
Statements attributed to narrations, such as "Alif Lam Meem means 'I am Allah, the Most Knowing'," lack valid chains of transmission and scientific basis. These statements resemble shadows that vanish in the absence of the light of truth.
Such statements, sometimes attributed to individuals like Zaid ibn Aslam or Ibn Abbas, are invalidated due to the absence of narrative or logical support.
Interpretations meanings of individual letters, such as "Alif" meaning Allah, "Lam" meaning Gabriel, and "Meem" meaning Muhammad (peace be upon him), lack evidence and are illogical. These interpretations resemble fragile threads that collapse under the breeze of criticism.
Unsupported statements, akin to ancient locks on the tree of the Qur'an, have impeded its growth and global acceptance. These statements act as obstacles blocking the path of the light of truth.
Removing these statements can facilitate presenting the Holy Qur'an as a universal and authoritative book and prevent the diminution of its grandeur.
Some have considered certain disjointed letters as the disjointed names of Allah or the key to the Greatest Name. This theory is indefensible due to the lack of evidence and the inability to combine the letters meaningfully. Even combinations such as "Ar-Rahman," disjointed letters, are inconsistent with the definition of the Greatest Name.
The claim of the Greatest Name without offering a method of combination or textual evidence is mere speculation and cannot align with the divine wisdom in the Holy Qur'an.
The youth of the seminary, by utilising modern sciences, can play a vital role in correcting unsupported interpretations and enhancing Qur'anic sciences, like a breeze that revitalises withered branches.
Modern education enables this generation to analyse Qur'anic issues more precisely and can lead to transformation in religious sciences.
The traditional approach to religious science, sometimes lacking evidence and effectiveness, requires revision and elevation to the level of modern sciences. This revision is analogous to reconstructing an ancient building that must be strengthened with new materials.
This transformation aids in producing practical and well-evidenced knowledge and prevents the isolation of religious science against scientific progress.
The theory attributing disjointed letters as the names of the Qur'an (such as Dhikr or Furqan) is unsupported and illogical. The Holy Qur'an has specific names explicitly mentioned within its text.
This theory lacks logical basis given the presence of specific names for the Holy Qur'an, such as "Dhikr" or "Furqan."
Some have claimed disjointed letters to be divine oaths, but this theory is unacceptable due to the lack of evidence and their dissimilarity to Qur'anic oaths like وَالتِّينِ وَالزَّيْتُونِ (Surah At-Tin, Verse 1, meaning: "By the fig and the olive").
Qur'anic oaths possess distinct structures and meanings which disjointed letters do not exhibit.
Some have considered each disjointed letter as a key to one of the Names of Allah, attributed to Ibn 'Aliyyah, but this theory lacks evidence and is mere conjecture.
This theory cannot serve as a basis for scientific interpretation without credible proof.
The theory linking disjointed letters to the lifespan or number of tribes, attributed to Ibn 'Aliyyah, is unsupported and inconsistent with historical and scientific facts.
This claim is illogical and indefensible given the diversity of tribes and absence of textual evidence.
Some have considered disjointed letters as summaries of the alphabet (such as Abjad), but this theory is also unsupported and incompatible with the Qur'ans structure.
Alphabetic letters, used in occult sciences, cannot be attributed to disjointed letters without textual proof.
Some have regarded disjointed letters as signs of the Qur'ans miracle and human inability to challenge it, but this theory contradicts divine wisdom in guidance, such as هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 185, meaning: "a guidance for mankind").
The miracle of the Qur'an lies in its entirety, including meaningful verses, and limiting it to disjointed letters is incompatible with its guiding status.
The theory that disjointed letters create silence to attract the attention of listeners is illogical and devoid of guiding effect. This theory is like a sound in the midst of silence that conveys no meaning.
The Holy Qur'an is intended for guidance and understanding, not to create ambiguity or meaningless silence.
The statements attributed to the late Tabarsi and Allameh Tabataba'i, due to lack of evidence and logical flaws, are indefensible. These statements resemble structures built upon weak foundations.
Although these two scholars attempted to collect and critique such statements, many lack scientific validity due to absence of support.
The theory of the similarity of disjointed letters, although potentially valid, must be accompanied by their function and meaning. This theory is like a window that should open to a deeper meaning.
Disjointed letters, as independent verses or parts of verses, can be classified as similar verses provided their meanings are examined and explained.
Allameh Tabataba'is objection to the similarity of disjointed letters, considering them devoid of lexical meaning, is insufficient because letters can also be similar. This objection resembles a critique that does not fully target the objective.
Disjointed letters, as part of the Holy Qur'ans verses, may be similar but such similarity must be accompanied by precise analysis to clarify their guiding function.
Every interpretation must be evidenced (legal, rational, demonstrative, or empirical) and have practical outcomes, akin to a building constructed with sound materials and having a defined function.
This principle, as a primary criterion for scientific interpretation, emphasises the need to present credible reasons and produce applicable outcomes.
Israiliyyat statements attributed to disjointed letters have led to diminishing the grandeur of the Holy Qur'an and to sowing doubts by enemies. These statements are like shadows that dim the light of the Qur'ans truth.
These statements, rooted in unreliable narrations, must be removed from interpretative texts to preserve the exalted status of the Holy Qur'an.
Israiliyyat statements such as associating disjointed letters with emerald mountains or the seven heavens lack scientific and historical basis. These statements resemble stories that pale before scientific realities.
These statements, attributed to Ibn Abbas and others, contradict contemporary scientific and historical advancements and cannot serve as interpretative foundations.
The interpretation of disjointed letters in Surah Al-Baqarah, as one of the complex topics in Qur'anic sciences, requires a scientific, evidenced, and dignified approach that is protected from unsupported and Israiliyyat statements. Reviewing statements presented over past centuries reveals that many lack valid argumentation and practical utility and have led to diminished credibility of Qur'anic exegesis. Disjointed letters, as part of divine speech, cannot be merely ornamental or incomprehensible but must possess meanings and functions discoverable through scientific endeavour. Scientific domains, particularly the new generation of seminary students, by employing modern sciences and logical methods, can play a pivotal role in correcting unsupported interpretations and elevating the status of the Holy Qur'an as a universal book. This writing serves as a torch that lights the path for scientific and critical research in this domain.
Supervised by: Sadegh Khademi
