Section 1: The Centrality of the Will and its Link with Inheritance

Explanation of the Verse

Verse 182 of Surah Al-Baqarah, as part of the concluding verses concerning the will and inheritance, provides a precise and profound ruling regarding the conditions for reforming a deviant will. This verse, which is placed within the context of inheritance rulings, focuses on the responsibility to correct deviating or sinful wills by righteous individuals. Unlike the previous verse (181), which considers unauthorized changes to a will as sinful, this verse addresses a testator who, due to ignorance or anger, has made an unjust will.

Key Point: Verse 182 emphasizes the correction of deviant wills and highlights the social and ethical responsibility of righteous individuals in maintaining justice in the distribution of wealth.

Detailed Analysis

In the Islamic legal system, the will serves as a bridge that connects worldly ownership with the justice of the Hereafter. This verse, with unparalleled subtlety, refers to situations where a testator, due to deviation (janf) or sin (ithm), has made a will that is incompatible with Shariah or rational principles. For example, a testator might, in anger, deprive his children of inheritance or distribute wealth in an unjust manner. In such cases, the verse places the responsibility of correcting this deviation on individuals who become aware of this error, whether they are heirs or non-heirs, such as a scholar, a judge, or even a friend of the testator.

Section 2: Critique of the Abrogation View between Verse 181 and Verse 182

Explanation of the Abrogation View

Some commentators, particularly from the Sunni tradition, believe that Verse 182 abrogates Verse 181. Verse 181 states: "So, whoever changes it after hearing it, the sin is upon those who change it." (Al-Baqarah: 181). In contrast, Verse 182 permits the reform of a deviant will. This difference has led some to assume that Verse 182 cancels the ruling of the previous verse.

Key Point: The thematic difference between Verse 181 (the alteration of a correct will) and Verse 182 (the reform of a deviant will) renders the possibility of abrogation null.

Detailed Analysis

The claim of abrogation between Verse 181 and Verse 182 is built upon a fragile foundation. Verse 181 refers to the alteration of a correct will by heirs or others, considering it a grave sin. In contrast, Verse 182 deals with a testator who has made an incorrect will and places the responsibility for its correction on righteous individuals. The fundamental difference between "changing" (tabdl) and "correcting" (isl) indicates two completely distinct issues. From the Shia exegetical perspective, abrogation of Quranic verses requires a decisive and clear proof, and in the absence of such proof, the principle is non-abrogation. This analysis highlights the coherence and unity of Quranic verses as a single light, free from any contradiction.

Section 3: Critique of the Attention to the Occasion of Revelation

Shia Approach to the Occasion of Revelation

The Shia approach to the occasion of revelation (shan al-nuzl) is critique of the authenticity of narrations. Many of the narrations regarding the occasion of revelation, especially those attributed to figures like Abu Hurayra, lack scholarly and documental credibility. Therefore, Shia scholars do not consider the occasion of revelation in interpreting the verses and emphasize a textual and rational understanding of the Quran.

Key Point: The lack of credible sources in narrations concerning the occasion of revelation leads Shia scholars toward a textual and rational interpretation, considering the verses as universally applicable.

Detailed Analysis

Occasions of revelation, sometimes like baseless stories, reduce the universality of the Quranic verses. These narrations, which are often without reliable documentation, cannot limit the Quranic verses to the specific conditions of their revelation. For example, if an occasion of revelation existed for Verse 182 and it were limited to a specific case, it would detract from the verse's general applicability. Shia scholars, emphasizing the universality of the Quran, view the verses as an endless sea from which every individual and community can benefit. This approach aligns with a rational and textual understanding of the verses and avoids non-scientific interpretations that sometimes arise due to fear of personal interpretation or the perceived complexity of the Quran.

Section 4: Analysis of Verse 182 of Surah Al-Baqarah

Text and Translation of the Verse

فَمَنْ خَافَ مِنْ مُوصٍ جَنَفًا أَوْ إِثْمًا فَأَصْلَحَ بَيْنَهُمْ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ

Translation: "Whoever fears from a testator deviation or sin and reforms between them, there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."

Analysis of the Terms Janf and Ithm

The term "janf" in the verse refers to deviation from the path of truth, in contrast to "anaf" which refers to inclination toward goodness and truth. "Ithm" refers to negligence or excess in the will, such as unjustly depriving heirs of inheritance or distributing wealth in an unreasonable manner. For example, a testator might, in anger, deprive his children of inheritance or distribute his wealth irrationally. These two terms precisely describe an incorrect will in both linguistic and conceptual terms, aligning with the jurisprudential rules that deem an unlawful will void.

Key Point: "Janf" and