An Introduction to the
al-Mizan
by Abu al-Qassim Razzaqi
Among the many valuable works of the
great exegete 'Allamah Tabataba'i, al-Mizan occupies a
distinguished position due to its unique qualities, not only among his
own books but also among all the Islamic books written so far on
religion, science, philosophy and especially among all the old and new
exegeses of the Qur'an, written by both the Sunnis and the Shi'ah.
This article, aimed at giving an
account of its contents, cannot provide a detailed account of its
salient features, but can help the readers to acquaint themselves with
the glimpses of its elegance. I find myself unworthy of performing this
great task, as great personages like the great thinker, scholar of the
Qur'an, and an exegete himself, Ayatullah Mutahhari has stated about
al-Mizan that it is the greatest exegesis of the Qur'an written
since the advent of Islam, and that it will take another sixty or even
one hundred years for our people to realise the greatness of al-Mizan
of 'Allamah Tabataba'I. Other scholars, experts and men of insight
have made similar remarks regarding this book.
Any attempt at presenting the profound
issues of al-Mizan, even in a cursory way in a brief article like
this is like an attempt to contain the great Atlantic in a small pot.
But anyhow, I wish to collect some drops from this vast ocean of Islamic
learning according to my limited capacities in order to quench my
intense thirst. I ask for help from the gentle soul of the pious writer
of this immortal book to guide me in performing this job in a good
manner.
The Author of al-Mizan:
Al-Allamah al-Sayyid Muhammad Husayn
al-Tabataba'I (1281 - 1360/1901-1980) is one of the greatest and the
most original thinkers of the contemporary Muslim world. He was a
prolific writer and an inspiring teacher, who devoted whole of his life
to Islamic studies. His interests were varied and the scope of his
learning was vast. His books number about forty-four, three of which are
collections of his articles on various aspects of Islam and the Qur'an.
His major contributions are in the fields of tafsir, philosophy
and history of the Shi'ah faith.
In philosophy the most important of his
works is Usul-e falsafah wa rawish-e-riyalism (The Principles of
Philosophy and the method of realism), which has been published in five
volumes with explanatory notes and commentary of Martyr Murtada
Mutahhari. It deals with the Islamic outlook of the world, which is not
only opposed to idealism that negates the reality of the corporeal
world, but is also opposed to the materialistic conception of the world,
which reduces all reality to ambiguous materialistic myths and
fabrications. The point is established that while the Islamic
world-outlook is realistic, both the idealistic and materialistic
outlooks are unrealistic. His other major philosophical work is a
voluminous commentary of al-Asfar al-'arba'ah, the magnum opus of
Mulla Sadra, the last of the great Muslim thinkers of the medieval age.
Besides these, he wrote extensively on philosophical issues. His
humanist approach is underlined by his three books on man - before the
world, in this world and after this world. His philosophy is overloaded
with sociological treatment of human problems. His two other works,
Bidayat al-hikmah and Nihayat al-hikmah, are considered among
works of a high order in Muslim philosophy.
He wrote several treatises on the
doctrines and history of the Shi'ah. One of these books comprises his
clarifications and expositions about Shi'ah faith in reply t the
questions posed by the famous French orientalist Henry Corbin. Another
of his books on this topic Shi'ah dar Islam was translated into
English by Sayyid Husayn Nasr under the title The Shi'ite Islam.
These books serve as a good means of removing popular misconceptions
about the Shi'ah and can pave the way for a better inter-sectarian
understanding among Muslim schools.
If a single work is to be named as his
masterpiece, al-Mizan can be mentioned without hesitation, which
is the outcome of the 'Allamah's lifelong labour in the sphere of
Qur'anic studies. His method, style and approach are uniquely different
from those of all other interpreters of the Qur'an. The present article
is an introduction to this unique and brilliantly original tafsir.
Though very sketchy, this article is selected for translation into
English from among numerous articles written on his works and life, for
it exclusively deals with the contents of al-Mizan. Recently a
Persian translation of al-Mizan was published by the Intisharat-e
Amir Kabir in twenty volumes corresponding with the twenty-volume set of
the original Arabic text of the tafsir. Six volumes of
al-Mizan have so far appeared in English, translated by Mawlana
Sa'id Akhtar Ridwi, and it is hoped that the other volumes would be
rendered into English by the same translator in the near future.
Among aspect of 'Allamah Tabataba'I's
personality is his unprecedented success as a great teacher. Among his
pupils we find a group of such luminaries and thinkers of eminence in
their own right as Martyr Murtada Mutahhari, Martyr Beheshti, Hasan
Hasanzadeh Amuli and Husayn Nasr.
The 'Allamah was also a good poet. He
composed the poetry mainly in Persian, but occasionally in Arabic also.
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The History of Al-Mizan:
Before giving an account of its salient
features and contents, we shall record a short history of al-Mizan.
'Allamah Tabataba'I, who came to the Hawzah of Qum in 1325 A.H.,
wrote and lectured extensively on different branches of Islamic
sciences. Commentary and exegesis of the Qur'an was one of the topics of
his discussions, which he held with the scholars and students of the
Howzeh-ye 'Ilmiyyah of Qum. About the motive of writing al-Mizan,
'Allamah Tabataba'I himself states that when he came to Qum from Tabriz,
he tried to evaluate the requirements of the Islamic society as well as
the conditions prevailing in the Howzeh-ye 'Ilmiyyah of Qum, and
after due consideration of the matter he came to the conclusion that the
school was badly in need of a commentary of the Qur'an for a better
understanding and more effective instruction of the sublime meanings of
the purest of all Islamic texts and the highest of all Divine gifts. On
the other hand, since materialistic notions were gaining prevalence,
there was a great need for a rational and philosophical discourse to
enable the Howzah to rise to the occasion for elaborating the
intellectual and doctrinal principles of Islam with the help of rational
arguments in order to defend the Islamic position. He thus considered it
his duty to make efforts in fulfilling these two urgent needs with the
help of God., the Most High. The lectures on exegesis of the Qur'an were
planned according to this scheme. Perhaps 'Allamah Tabataba'I might have
delivered lectures on the entire Qur'an for his students for several
times, and in the meanwhile he might have written a commentary. During
these sessions of well-thought out discourse he might have rendered
these lectures into his terse and eloquent prose, which was later
printed in a number of volumes.
The first edition of al-Mizan in
Arabic was printed in Iran and then it was printed in Beirut. Till now
more than three editions have been printed in Iran and in Beirut in
large numbers, and very few of the public and private libraries will be
found without a complete set of it. All other libraries, too, at least
have some of the volumes of this commentary on their shelves.
The original text of al-Mizan is
written in Arabic, consisting of twenty volumes, and each volume has
about four hundred pages of big size. It was intended that all those
interested in reading the exegesis of the Qur'an may be properly
benefited from this treasure of the Qur'anic teachings. Some of the
pupils of 'Allamah Tabataba'I have translated this book into Persian
under his able direction and supervision, and each one of the Arabic
volume was translated in two volumes of the Persian, making a total
number of forty. The share of this responsibility was shouldered by Aqa
Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Musawi Hamadani. With the view that the entire
Persian translation of al-Mizan should not appear in different
styles, which would have affected the book's readability, 'Allamah
Tabataba'I gave him the beginning volumes of al-Mizan also for
retranslation. We hope that this fine exegesis of the Divine words of
the Qur'an will be translated into other living languages of the world
also, and will be made accessible to all those who want to quench their
thirst for divine knowledge and who are eager to be familiar with the
life-giving principles of Islam. It would be in the fitness of things
that this exegesis is placed in the hands of the committed individuals
and scholars who are familiar with the language of the Qur'an also. It
will be a great service if the universal message of the Qur'an is
projected in such a manner that humanity is delivered from the unholy
clutches of pagan cultures. The monotheistic culture of the Qur'an alone
is capable of emancipating human beings from all kinds of servitude and
indignities.
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The Salient features of Al-Mizan:
Al-Mizan
has diverse facets: scientific, technical,
aesthetic, philosophical, literary, historical, spiritual, sociological
and traditional (dealing with hadith). But three of these aspects are
more conspicuous while others are rather subordinated to them.
1. Interpretation of the Qur'an
by the Qur'an:
In his commentary on the Qur'an,
'Allamah Tabataba'I shows his great originality in pointing out,
firstly, the close interrelatedness of the verses of the Qur'an with one
another, and then he proves that due to this inherent coordination, the
Qur'anic verses explain and interpret one another. In other words,
'Allamah Tabataba'I brought to light the fact that: some parts of the
Qur'an interpret some other parts.
For the understanding of the verses and
their interpretation, we should seek help from the Qur'an itself. He has
discussed the problem of the interpretation of the Qur'an in his book
Qur'an dar Islam ("The [place of the] Qur'an in Islam). After a
lucid exposition in this regard, 'Allamah Tabataba'I says that a true
exegesis of the Qur'an is possible only through profound contemplation
of the verses and a reference for guidance to all the other related
Qur'anic verses. In other words, any one of the three following methods
is open to us for a correct exposition of the verses.
- Exposition of any of the verses in
isolation from other verses, undertaken with the help of scientific
and nonscientific premises that are within our reach.
- Exposition of a verse with the aid
and application of a tradition, handed down to us by one of the
Ma'sumin (A), narrated in the context of the verse under
consideration.
- Exposition of the verse by
reflecting upon the wordings and meanings of the verse with the help
of a group of relevant verses, and in addition to this, consulting the
traditions whenever necessary.
Then he adds that the third method is
the same which was deduced in the previous chapter (i.e. of The Place
of the Qur'an in Islam). This is the same method which was employed
by the Prophet (S) and the Imams (A), as we learn from their teachings.
The Prophet (S) said:
Some of the verses are revealed to
verify some other verses.
Amir al-Mu'minin 'Ali (A) said:
Some of the verses speak about some
other verses and some of them testify some others.
At the end, the 'Allamah reminds us of
an important point; that is, according to this method the Qur'an is
explained by the Qur'an, not on the basis of personal opinions of an
interpreter- a method that was disapproved by a famous tradition of the
Prophet (S). Afterwards, 'Allamah Tabataba'I explains and compares three
methods of exposition in detail, and holds that on the basis of Qur'anic
arguments and proofs from tradition, the third method is the best for
understanding the Qur'an. In the concluding part of this discussion he
presents specimen of the exposition of the Qur'an by the Qur'an, which
we cannot cite here for the sake of brevity.
This speciality of al-Mizan can
be considered as a significant step taken in the direction of better
understanding of the miraculous qualities of the Qur'an regarding the
coherence and interrelatedness of its verses.
2. The Sociological Aspect:
More or less all the commentaries of
the Qur'an have paid attention to its sociological facets and have
discussed the relevant issues, yet al-Mizan is incomparable with
other commentaries in this regard. The sociological discussions
presented in al-Mizan are both qualitatively and quantitatively
of a far superior standard.
With his multidimensional approach and
broad outlook in the sphere of social problems, 'Allamah Tabataba'I has
been successful in projecting these issues in the light of the Qur'anic
verses. He has thrown a new light on certain sociological problems from
the Qur'anic point of view which were overlooked till now, and has
opened up new vistas for the inspired readers who are ever eager to
discover and explore some new dimensions from among the various
marvellous dimensions of the Holy Qur'an.
3. The Philosophical Aspect:
'Allamah Tabataba'i, being a
clear-sighted philosopher of rare excellence and originality, has
performed a great service to the science of tafsir by elaborating
the Qur'anic metaphysics which gives us a correct and valuable insight
into the realities of life in the true sense of metaphysics. He has
refuted all baseless misconceptions which are attributed to the Qur'an.
In his view Muslim metaphysics has its roots in the Holy Qur'an and it
is nothing but an elaboration of the Qur'anic notions concerning God,
man and the universe. Similarly, 'Allamah Tabataba'I also points out
that the main factor responsible for the general distrust regarding
metaphysics issues from the lack of proper understanding and correct
information about it.
In his valuable books like the
Usul-e falsafah wa rawish-e riyalism ("The Principles of Philosophy
and the Method of Realism"), the commentary on al-Asfar of Mulla
Sadra, Bidayat al-hikmah, and Nihayat al-hikmah, he has
explained and clarified all such doubts concerning metaphysics. In
al-Mizan, he has discussed these philosophical matters in the light
of the Qur'anic verses and inferred certain philosophical conceptions
from them, which is something unprecedented in the history of exegesis
of the Qur'an. In the course of his exposition of the Qur'anic verses
and their relevance to metaphysical notions he has proved the validity
of the Qur'anic outlook and the absurdity and baselessness of the
philosophy of materialism. This part of his exegesis is also quite
original and new in the field of philosophical studies. These
discussions have a rare profundity, accuracy and refinement that will
continue to fascinate the scholars in future.
I have confined my brief comments to
the three most salient features of al-Mizan, while the other
dimensions, which in my view are subordinated to these three, will be
discussed later.
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A Brief Survey of the Contents of
al-Mizan:
For a thorough understanding of this
valuable, great and cyclopaedic book about Islamic learning, it is
necessary to have a bird's eye-view of the whole book in order to know
the diversity of its issues. I confess again my own limitations of
understanding, which may have rendered my comprehension of the profound
meanings and the vast span of the history of ideas covered by
al-Mizan defective and inadequate.
Each one of the twenty volumes of
al-Mizan we intend to discuss separately.
The First Volume:
'Allamah Tabataba'I has written a
preface to the book consisting of approximately eleven pages, in which
he has suggested some important points:
- The meaning of the science of
exegesis and reference to its historical developments since the era of
revelation of the Qur'an to this day.
- An account of various exegeses of
the Qur'an written by different Muslim scholars with reference to the
causes of difference among them. He believes that every exegete of the
Qur'an has viewed the Qur'an from his own intellectual point of view
and presented his interpretation in accordance with it. 'Allamah
Tabataba'I has also pointed out their individual weaknesses and has
written a compendious criticism of them.
- In the end he has referred to the
style of his own exegesis, which he considers to be based on a new
approach, that is, interpreting the Qur'an by the Qur'an itself. Then
he gives a snapshot view of the various aspects of his method and
approach employed in the exegesis, and concludes the preface.
He begins the exposition of the first
surah, Fatihat al-Kitab, with a brief commentary on: "In
the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful".
He discusses several Qur'anic,
philosophical and psychological issues in the light of this surah.
At first, he unfolds the meaning of al-hamd (praise) in the
context of God, the Most Holy, and the word al-sirat- the path to
hidayah (guidance). The other discussion is about the meaning and
use of the terms jary (lit. intending something; a term
repeatedly occurring in the sayings of the Imams [A]) and intibaq
(the application of the Qur'anic verses to specific situations by the
Imams [A]) in the Qur'an which is based on the traditions. From page 43
to the end of this volume, which contains 414 pages, he covers 182
verses of the second surah,
al-Baqarah.
He has expounded some of the
profoundest themes of the Qur'an in the light of these verses in a
comprehensive and lucid way in the following order:
- In the beginning there are two
philosophical discussions about the supersensible perception and the
necessity of sciences. Then are discussed the causes of kufr
(infidelity), the nature of miracles, and the miraculous qualities of
the Qur'an. In this context various aspects of the Qur'an have been
discussed in a detailed and logical way. This discussion begins from
the page 58 and continues till the page 86 of this volume.
- After this some other important
issues are taken up, such as the meaning of prophetic mission,
metaphorical meaning of the concretisation of certain deeds,
determinism (jabr) and delegated freedom (tafwid),
amr bayna al-'amrayn -(the intermediate stage between two extreme
positions), the meanings of the acts of making (ja'l) and
creation (khalq), instruction of the Names to Adam (A), and the
creation of heaven for him.
- The most important of the discussion
of this book is the one about the problem of intercession (shafa'ah).
It can be said with certainty about this discussion that such a
logical and detailed analysis of the issue was never attempted in any
of the Islamic books on this subject. 'Allamah Tabataba'I has divided
the issue of intercession into six subtitles and has made it a subject
of extensive study. In the end of this discussion, he has dealt with
the psychological, philosophical and sociological aspects of
intercession.
- The other discussions of this volume
include the Sabeans; the revival of the dead; metamorphosis;
refutation of the doctrine of Sonship of Christ; the meaning of the
Imamate-spiritual leadership- its proofs, and other important issues
related to it; magic and the obsolete occult sciences; the laying of
the foundation of the Holy Ka'bah and the legislation concerning the
Qiblah; the meaning and stages of islam and the iman;
meaning of dhikr (remembrance of God); the world of Barzakh
(intermeidary stage between death and Resurrection); detachment of
the self; morality; dependence of man-made things upon God Almighty;
the meaning of love and its relations to God; perpetuity and eternity
of punishment; taqlid (spiritual following or imitation in
religious matters) and its meaning; the meaning of ibraz
(producing or bringing out certain proofs); and lastly the issue of
qisas (the law of retaliation) with reference to the objections
raised against the laws of qisas and their refutation.
The Second Volume:
It begins with the exposition of the
183rd verse of the Surat al-Baqarah (the Cow), and the exposition
of this surah continues till the end of this volume, which has
448 pages.
The other discussions of this volume
are concerning the following subjects:
The revelation of the Qur'an in the
month of Ramadan and on the Night of Power (laylat al-qadr) with
special emphasis on its stage by stage revelation; meaning of du'a'-supplication;
private ownership as one of the permanent social institutions; jihad,
as enjoined by the Qur'an; the social necessity of defence; mut'ah
(temporary marriage); hajj-generality of its laws; the
problem of raj'ah (resurrection) and refutation of the doubts
expressed by some people against it. There is a comprehensive discussion
about the reality of human existence, and the history of mankind, the
origin of human existence and general human characteristics, emergence
of differences among human beings, human life in the Hereafter and other
such issues have been fully investigated. 'Allamah Tabataba'I has
expressed his scholarly opinion regarding these issues and analysed them
with remarkable insight.
There is another significant discussion
regarding the problem of prophethood, which has been discussed from
various angles, such as the Qur'anic, philosophical and social. He has
analysed in detail the purport of the verse:
"….And whoso becomes a renegade and
dies in his disbelief: such are they whose works have fallen both in the
world and Hereafter…." (2:217)
With reference to this verse, he has
dealt with the problem of the futility of actions. In this context he
has discussed the Qur'anic injunctions concerning the acts and other
related problems at a high academic level and estimated them carefully.
This discussion covers almost 54 pages from page 118 to 172.
Other topics of the discussion that
have Qur'anic, scientific, sociological and philosophical implications
are as follows:
The meaning of the 'heart' (qalb)
in the Qur'an; the use of words like 'ilm (knowledge) and
idrak (perception, cognition) in the Qur'an; the position and rights
of woman in Islam and other civilisations with regard to marriage and
divorce; the meaning of sakinah (tranquillity of mind); the
struggle for existence and natural selection; the meaning of salam;
the meaning of existence; the Existence of God; Permanence of the Divine
Command and Sovereignty; the negation of compulsion in religion; the
concept of benevolence and Divine Guidance; the refutation of injustice
and misguidance on the part of God Almighty. At the end are discussed
two important economic issues: disbursement and usury (riba) from
the stand-point of the Qur'an. With this discussion the second volume
concludes.
The Third Volume:
It commences with the exposition of the
beginning verses of the Surat Al 'Imran (the third chapter of the
Qur'an), which contains 200 verses, out of which 120 are commented upon
in this volume till the page 361.
The various issues discussed in this
book consists of: the Qur'anic meaning of chastisement; an elaborate
discussion about the problem of the al- 'ayat al'muhkamat and the
al- 'ayat al-mutashabihat and ta'wil (interpretation),
distributed in five sections (these three issues of significance in the
Qur'an have been discussed logically and analysed carefully in an
unprecedented manner); these five sections are summarised under ten
subjects, and in their context the problem of interpretation by
conjecture (tafsir bi al-ra'y) has also been discussed from the
Qur'anic and traditionalist (riwa'I) points of view. Then there
are comparatively short discussions about certain other problems like
the Qur'anic notions of sustenance, property; validity (I'tibar)
and its Qur'anic basis (istinad); and all other matters related
to these issues.
After that, there is a comprehensive
discussion regarding Jesus (A), Mary (A) and the concept of trinity (tathlith).
These matters have been studied from various angles. Then, there are two
separate discussions of historical nature concerning the Old Testament,
the New Testament, Christ and the Four Gospels (Luke, Mathew, Mark and
John). All of their different aspects have been carefully studied and
analysed.
This volume comes to an end with the
Qur'anic and historical account of the history of the Holy Ka'bah and
other related matters.
The Fourth Volume:
This volume opens with the exposition
of the 121st verse of the `Surat Al 'Imran, which continues till
the page 133. From the page 134 begins the exposition of the Surat
al-Nisa' (Women), which has 186 verses, and it continues till the
end of this volume which has 424 pages. Seventy-six verses of this
surah are discussed in this volume. Some of the important subjects
discussed in this volume are as follows: the teaching of the Qur'an and
their role in the reconciliation of knowledge and action; the trial or
test and its real meaning; the remission of sins and forgiveness in the
Qur'an; the problem of tawakkul (resignation to the Divine Will);
with reference to the verse 172 of the Surat Al 'Imran and its
preceding and following verses dealing with the Battle of Uhud, a list
of the names of the 77 martyrs of Uhud is given from page 74 to 77; a
philosophical discussion based on a comparative study of the Qur'an and
the Old Testament regarding the rights of women; and the Qur'anic view
of social relations in Islam - in fifteen sections. This is the most
important discussion of this volume which commences from page 92 and
ends at page 131. It may be considered to be one of the profoundest and
the most original of the discourses of al-Mizan, which brings to
light some very sensitive and subtle points about Islamic sociology in
the light of the relevant verses of the Surat al-Nisa' (Women)
pertaining to the age of human beings, the emergence of the first
man, the process of creation and evolution and other related matters.
Afterwards, there is a discussion about marriage from a scientific point
of view, divided into three sections. The third section is devoted to
the issue of polygamy in Islam with reference to the question of the
number of the wives of the Prophet (S). The philosophical implications
of these issues are discussed thoroughly.
Subsequent to it, the issue of
inheritance and succession is discussed from different angles in eight
sections. Besides, there are several brief discussions about repentance,
mortal sins (kaba'ir), venial sins (sagha'ir), atonement
of sins, specification of the relatives with whom it is lawful to marry,
and the meaning of the authority of men over women. The last discussion
of this volume concerns the Qur'anic view of ghayrah (the sense
of honour) and 'asabiyyah (prejudice).
The Fifth Volume:
It commences with the exposition of
verse 77 of the surat al-Nisa' and concludes with the exposition
of verse 54 of the Surat al-Ma'idah on page 402. The following
subjects are discussed in this volume: a discussion about determining
the nature of sins and virtues in relation to Divine injunction;
discussions concerning three Qur'anic terms: tahiyyah (variously
meaning salutation, compliment, congratulation, prayer, benediction),
mustad'af (the oppressed), and 'ismah (infallibility or
freedom from sins).
The exposition of the Surat al-Ma'idah
begins from page 158. The first discussion under this surah
concerns the Qur'anic sense of 'aqd (contract). With reference to
the verse, "…. The cattle quadrupeds are allows to you …. " of the
Surat al-Ma'idah (5:1) and its following verse, the permissibility
of the flesh of various animals is discussed. He discusses this issue
logically and scientifically in three sections, and the Islamic view in
this respect is compared with those of other religions.
The other significant discussion
concerns the problem of right approach to the Qur'an and to the history
of Islamic thought. In this context the meaning of perception and
thinking is discussed from various angles. Then follow the following
discussions: the Qur'anic account of the sons of Adam (A) and its
comparison with the Biblical version of the story; the Qur'anic
conception of Shari'ah (Islamic law) and the difference between
shari'ah, din and millah, the afflictions of the
heart; and an account of the incidents that will occur during the age of
the Twelfth Imam, according to the Qur'anic verses and traditions.
The Sixth Volume:
The sixth volume commences with the
exposition of verse 55 of the Surat al-Ma'idah, "Only Allah is
your Vali and Apostle those who believe, …" and ends with the last verse
of the surah. This volume which consists of 381 pages gives the
exposition of 65 verses.
It deals with the following issues in
the light of these verses: the meaning of tawhid in the Qur'an in
the light of the tradition and history; a scientific and historical
analysis of the knowledge of the self (in nine sections); witness (shahadah)
and justice ('adalah) and taking of oath (qasam) with
reference to its brief history; propriety of conduct and training (an
ethical discourse in eight sections, containing the conduct of the
prophets of God in general and the moral aspects of the teachings of our
Prophet (S) in detail, enumerating 183 of his moral qualities in the
light of the tradition).
In the context of verse 118 of the
Surat al-Ma'idah "If thou shoudst chastise them, then surely they
are thy servant…" the problem of slavery is discussed in its social and
historical perspectives. 'Allamah Tabataba'I has analysed this problem
in the light of the verses of the Qur'an and the traditions of the
Prophet (S) and the Imams (A). Like many other discourses of al-Mizan
this study possesses a rare quality and originality reflecting the 'Allamah's
profound vision and subtlety of style.
The last section deals with the issue
of punishment (mujazat) and forgiveness ('afw), comprising
seven sections. It is a profound discussion held in the light of the
Qur'anic verses. Various issues arising from these two subjects are
discussed logically in a comprehensive manner. With this discussion the
volume and the exposition of the Surat al-Ma'idah concludes.
The Seventh Volume:
This volume commences with the
exposition of the first verse of the Surat al-'An'am (Cattle).
This volume, which extends over 397 pages, deals with the exposition of
165 verses of this surah.
Among the significant discussions of
this volume, the first is about animals and their social system, and is
based on the Qur'anic outlook. There are two other discussions: one
about the subject of command, elucidating the point that it belongs
exclusively to God, and the other about the meaning and reality of the
Divine Act and Command.
Then, the story of Abraham (A) with an
account of his personality is discussed in six chapters covering the
Qur'anic, scientific and historical views. Subsequently, six other
subjects are discussed in the following order: the meaning of the Book
(the Kitab), Command and blessing (barakah) in the Qur'an;
daughter and her children are also considered to be descendants and
heirs in Islam; the phenomenon of creation and its applicability to all
beings; and the Divine Guidance.
The Eighth Volume:
This volume consists of 387 pages and
deals with the exposition of the Surat al-'A'raf, which has 206
verses.
The first discussion of this volume is
about the Devil (Iblis), his actions and the objections he raised
claiming his superiority over Adam.
The problem of sa'adah and
shaqawah (felicity and misery) is discussed in the light of the
Qur'an and the tradition, and has been studied and analysed in an
elaborate manner. The meaning of A'raf (the heights) in the
Qur'an is discussed, and after that in the context of the verse, "He sat
on the Throne", the 54th verse of the Surat al-A'raf, there is an
analysis of the term 'arsh (the Throne) and its referent is
determined in the light of the Qur'an and the tradition. On the same
lines the Qur'anic concept of ru'yatal-qalb (inner vision) is
discussed. In the context of the verses "And Allah's are the fairest
Names", the 180th verse of al-'A'raf, there is a discussion about
'the fairest Names' based on the verses of the Qur'an and rational
arguments, and can be considered as one of the most significant parts of
this volume; it consists of seven sections. With the support of Qur'anic
verses and traditions this subject is discussed in a comprehensive way.
Without letting himself to be swayed away by secondary issues, like the
problem of meanings of the Names of God, 'Allamah Tabataba'I has
embraced all important aspects of this subject.
The Ninth Volume:
This volume covers the exposition of
two complete surahs: al-'Anfal (175 verses) and al-Tawbah
(129 verses). Significant discussions of the book are as follows:
- In the context of the verse: "And
when Allah promised you one of the two parties… "), the seventh verse
of the Surat al-'Anfal and its following verses about the
Battle of Badr, 'Allamah Tabataba'I has given a list of the names of
the martyrs of Badr, who were fourteen in number: six from among the
Muhajirun (immigrants) and eight from among the Ansar
(helpers, who were the natives of al-Madinah).
- A disucssion about the meaning of
'ahd (promise, or treaty), qasam (oath), and ahkam
(commands or injunctions), and their implications. This issue is
discussed in four sections.
- A dialectical and philosophical
study of the relationship of succession between the acts and their
causes.
- In the context of the verse:
"certainly Allah helped you in many battlefields and at Hunayn…", the
25th verse of the Surat al-Tawbah and its following verses
concerning the Battle of Hunayn, the names of the martyrs, who were
approximately ten in number, are metnioned.
- Under two separate headings kanz
(treasure or accumulation of wealth) and zakat and other
kinds of almsgiving and deeds of charity are discussed in the light of
the Qur'anic verses and the tradition. 'Allamah Tabataba'I has in a
way elucidated basic economic problems from Islamic viewpoint.
The Tenth Volume:
This volume which consists of 384 pages
gives the exegesis of all 109 verses of the Surat Yunus and 99
verses of the Surat Hud. Most of the discussions bear the
Qur'anic, historical and philosophical facets. The first discussion
which is philosophical in nature and is based on the Qur'anic verses is
about the power possessed by prophets of God and Divinely inspired
persons. Then, there is an elaborate discussion about Noah (A) in seven
sections dealing in detail with various aspects of this subject. In this
context there is a discussion conerning the Flood, and as to whether the
entire earth was engulfed by it or only a part of it was affected. The
'Allamah has taken into account the geological evidence of this event in
eight sections, and sought to interpret scientifically the Qur'anic
verses about Noah's Flood in a comprehensive manner.
The second significant topic of this
volume is about the practice of idol worship, studied in ten sections in
the light of different viewpoints, viz. Qur'anic, traditional,
historical and philosophical.
From among the last ten sections of
this volume, two sections are about the defence of the principle of
tawhid in Islam, the struggle against idol worship, the rejection of
infidelity and affirmation of the principle of twahid as the
basis of the Prophet's character. It throws light on the above-mentioned
issues from all angles, and is free from any aimless and ambiguous
distraction. Afterwards we come to the concept of transmigration of soul
among idolaters and the infiltration of this idea into some religions
and its rejection by Islam. In the end, the notion of intercession and
redemption in Islam has been discussed.
The third topic of discussion in this
volume is the life and times of Hud (A), which is divided into two
parts: one about the people of 'Ad, to whom Hud was sent, and the other
about his own personality. The fourth topic of discussion concerns Salih
(A), the people of Thamud, and the mission and personality of Salih. The
fifth discussion of this volume deals with the story of Lot (A), his
people and his personality, as narrated by the Qur'an and the Bible. At
the end of the volume, the story of Shu'ayb and his people is described
in three sections.
The Eleventh Volume:
It consists of 390 pages and commences
with the exposition of the 100th verse of the Surat Hud. The
exposition of this surah concludes on page 72 of this volume.
Exposition of the Surat Yusuf, which has 111 verses, begins from
page 73 of this volume and ends on page 282. It is followed by the
exposition of the Surat al-Ra'd, which has 43 verses, and the
volume concludes with this surah.
Among the significant topics of
discussions in this volume, the first one is as to how falsehood cannot
save any human being. This is a discussion based on the verses of the
Qur'an and rational arguments . This is followed by a discussion about
religious piety and its various grades, in three sections. 'Allamah
Tabataba'I has expounded this instructive and useful subject with great
profundity. The third discussion of this volume concerns the history and
life of Yusuf (A), divided into three sections.
The fourth discourse is about dreams,
discussed in four sections. The interpretation of different kinds of
dreams is discussed from various scientific angles, and the Qur'anic
standpoint in this regard is also clarified.
The Twelfth Volume:
It consists of 382 pages and includes
the exposition of three complete surahs, that is, the Surat
Ibrahim (52 verses), the Surat al-Hijr (99 verses) and al-Nahl
(128 verses).
In the first discourse of this volume,
the subject of vengeance is discussed with respect to God Almighty.
The second discourse is among the most
profound of the discussions of al-Mizan, and deals with the issue
of tahrif (falsification or transposition) and alteration in the
Qur'an. This issue is discussed rationally in the light of the
traditions and the historical facts. It is divided into seven sections.
The 'Allamah has logically refuted all possibilities of tahrif in
the Qur'an with great philosphical and analytical insight into the
contents of the Qur'an. He has answered various questions and objections
raised in connection with the matter of tahrif in the Qur'an.
The third discussion is about the
verdict concerning the creation of man in the context of the exposition
of verse 26 of the Surat al-Hijr. It comprises the interpretation
of ten Divine verdicts occurring in the Qur'an.
The fourth and the last discussion of
this volume is about duty, its various modes and its persistence, dealt
with in a philosophical way.
The Thirteenth Volume:
It consists of 408 pages and contains
exposition of two complete surahs, that is, al-'Isra' or
Bani 'Isra'il (111 verses) and al-Kahf (110 verses).
The first and the most significant
discussion of this volume is about the problem of justice. The issue is
approached both philosophically and traditionally, and covers three
sections. Then, in the context of the verse "And come not near unto
adultery. Lo! It is an abomination and an evil way", the 32nd verse of
the Surat Bani Isra'il, there is a discussion about the
prohibition of adultery (hurmat al-zina), which is approached
from both sociological and Qur'anic points of view, highlighting the
detrimental effects of this act, studied and compared from different
angles. In the same way, other issues like that of the superiority of
man over angels or vice versa, place of evil and its relation to the
Divine destiny (qada') homogeneity or necessary relationship
between deeds and the doer also have been discussed with reference to
the verse of the Surat Bani Isra'il.
The issues associated with the
exposition of the Surat al-Kahf are mostly based on Qur'anic
verses and history, for they are concerned with the story of the
Companions of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf) . The problems related to
it are dealt with in four sections. Similarly, the story of Moses (A)
and Khidr (A) and that of Dhu al-Qarnayn are discussed from various
viewpoints. This volume concludes with these discussions.
The Fourteenth Volume:
This volume has 416 pages and contains
the exposition of four surahs: (1) the Surat Maryam (Mary)
(98 verses); (2) the Surat Ta-Ha (135 verses); (3) the Surat
al-'Anbiya' (112 verses)' and (4) al-Hajj (78 verses).
The important discussions of this book
are about the incidents and events of the lives, histories and
personalities of four of the prophets of God, viz. Zakariyya (A); Yahya
(A); Ismai'l (A) the truthful, and Idris (A), which are based on the
Qur'anic verses, the tradition and history. In the course of these
discussions, with reference to the verse, "…Then We sent Our Spirit, and
there appeared to her a well-made man.." the 17th verse of the Surat
Maryam , there is a profound discussion about resemblance (in an
allegorical sense) with reference to the appearance of Gabriel in human
form. This is one of the most valuable discourses of
al-Mizan.
The other significant discussion of
this volume concerns the meaning of the necessity of Action, and its
propriety and impropriety in relation to God Almighty. This issue is
discussed from a rational point of view. There is another discussion
about the problem of contingency or eternity of Kalam Allah, that
is, the Qur'an. The various aspects of this problem are taken into
consideration with an emphasis on the traditions. The discussion
consists of four sections.
At the end of the volume, there is a
very important discussion about Divine Wisdom. This is a philosophical
discussion based on the Qur'anic verses, and 'Allamah Tabataba'I has
treated this subject with great scholarship and insight.
The Fifteenth Volume:
This volume has 408 pages and contains
the exposition of five complete surahs in the following order: 1. The
Surat al-Mu'minun (118 verses); 2. The Surat al-Nur (64
verses); (3) the Surat al-Furqan (77 verses); (4) the Surat
al-Shu'ara (227 verses); (5) the Surat al-Naml (93 verses).
The general and significant topics of
this volume are as follows:
The first discussion is about the
effects of faith and its practical application. From this study issues a
sociological and judicial discussion which covers the laws of Islam and
their significance for human society. This discourse is followed by
three philosophical and rational studies: (1) the causality of the
Divine Being in relation to things; (2) the relationship of particular
beings with the knowledge of God; (3) similar study of the meaning and
implications of the negation of Divine injustice. 'Allamah Tabataba'I
probes these thre profound issues with his characteristic meticulousness
and penetrating insight as he has done in other such discussions.
The last discussion of this volume
concerns Sulayman (A) in the light of the verses of the Surat al-Naml,
and it consists of four sections dealing with the life and personality
of Sulayman (A) in the Qur'anic perspective. Similarly all ancient
sources are also studied and the legends and reports about him in the
ancient literature are discussed in their proper historical perspective.
The Sixteenth Volume:
This volume consists of 395 pages and
contains the exposition of seven complete surahs: (1) al-Qasas
(88 verses); (2) al-'Ankabut (69 verses); (3) al-Rum
(60 verses); (4) Luqman (34 verses); (5) al-Sajdah (30
verses); (6) al-'Ahzab (73 versres); (7) Saba' (54 verses).
The significant issues taken up in this
volume are as follows:
At first, in relation with the Surat
al-Qasas, the anecdotes pertaining to Moses (A) have been discussed
in four sections. This is a discussion based on historical facts and the
Qur'anic verses encompassing various aspects of the subject.
Then, in the context of the 30th verse
of the Surat al-Rum: "Then set your face upright for religion in the
right state-the nature made by Allah in which He has made men;.."
there is a comprehensive and logical
discussion about religion and faith as a natural propensity of human
mind. It consists of four sections, from page 189 to 193. None of the
exegeses of the Qur'an contains such a profound discussion about this
subject.
Subsequent to it, in the context of the
Surat Luqman, there is a discussion about the anecdote of Luqman
(A) the wise, and some of his wise sayings and parables have been
expounded. The last discourse, which is considered to be one of the most
valuable discussion of al-Mizan, is about the creation of the
First Man, and is undertaken in the context of the Verse:
"Who made good everything that He
has created, and He created man from clay."(32:7)
From the Qur'anic, philosophical,
traditional and historical angles this problem is studied and expounded.
In the beginning of this discussion, 'Allamah Tabataba'I refers to his
earlier discussion of this subject in detail in the beginning of his
exposition of the Surat al-Nisa'. It commences from page 225 and
concludes on page 260 of this volume
The Seventeenth Volume:
It consists of 407 pages, and contains
the exposition of seven complete surahs: (1) Fatir (45
verses); (2) Ya sin (83 verses); (3) al-Saffat (182
verses); (4) Sad (88 verses); (5) al-Zumar (75 verses);
(6) al-Mu'min (85 verses); (7) Ha Mim (Fussilat) (54
verses).
Foremost in importance is a discussion
in the context of the first verse of the Surat Fatir:
"Praise be to Allah, the Creator of
the heavens and the earth, Who appoints the angels, messengers having
wings two, three and four. He increases in creation what He pleases,
surely Allah has power over all things."
This discussion about angels covers all
the verses about them in the Qur'an as well as all kind of issues
related to this subject. Afterward, there is a discussion about the
subject of prognostication, with reference to the prophets of God with
reference to the 10th verse of
al-Saffat:
"Except him who snatches off but
once, then there follows him a brightly piercing flame."
This verse is about Satan, and as a
subsidiary issue the meaning and nature of meteors or shooting stars is
discussed.
Then, the anecdotes of different
prophets of God, like Ilyas (A), Jonah (A), David (A), Ayyub (A), Jesus
(A) and Dhu al-Kifl (A) have been discussed according to their Qur'anic
version and in the light of the tradition. This is the lengthiest
discussion of this volume which covers most of the issues taken up in
this volume.
In the concluding part of the volume
there is a discussion about the meaning of rida and sukht
(satisfaction or displeasure with God). This discussion is based on the
Qur'anic verses and rational arguments. There is a discussion about the
heaven; and then the issue of the all-embracing knowledge of God
Almighty about the living beings is discussed from the Qur'anic and
philosophical points of view.
The Eighteenth Volume:
This volume which consists of 392 pages
contains the exposition of ten complete surahs of the Qur'an: (1)
al-Shura (53 verses); (2) al-Zukhruf (89 verses); (3)
al-Dukhan (59 verses); (4) al-Jathiyah (37 verses); (5)
al-'Ahqaf (35 verses); (6) Muhammad (38 verses); (7) al-Fath
(29 verses); (8) al-Hujurat (18 verses); (9) Qaf (45
verses); (10) al-Dhariyat (60 verses).
The significant discussions of this
volume relate to four subjects. The first discussion is about the
subject of the knowledge possessed by the Prophet (S) and the Imams (A),which
includes refutation of a doubt in this regard. The second discussion is
about faith and how it is strengthened. The third discussion is about
the subject of fraternity and brotherhood, while the fourth discussion
of this volume is about the equal distribution of provisions, property
and wealth. All the discussions of this volume are remarkable for their
scholarly and comprehensive nature and rationalist approach.
The Nineteenth Volume:
Now, gradually we are coming nearer to
the last surahs of the Qur'an. This one and the following volume
deal with a large number of the Qur'anic surahs. This volume
which consists of 407 pages contains the exposition of eighteen complete
surahs: (1) al-Tur (49 verses); (2) al-Najm (62
verses); (3) al-Qamar (55 verses); (4) al-Rahman (78
verses); (5) al-Waqi'ah (96 verses); (6) al-Hadid (29
verses); (7) al-Mujadalah (22 verses); (8) al-Hashr (24
verses); (9) al-Mumtahinah (13 verses); (10) al-Saff (14
verses); (11) al-Jumu'ah (11 verses); (12) al-Munafiqun
(11 verses); (13) al-Taghabun (18 verses); (14) al-Talaq
(12 verses); (15) al-Tahrim (12 verses); (16) al-Mulk (30
verses); (17) al-Qalam (52 verses); (18) al-Haqqah (52
verses).
The first important discussion of this
volume, which is short one, is about the miracle of the Prophet (S)
resulting in the splitting of the moon (shaqq al-qamar). The most
significant discussion of this volume concerns the lucky and unlucky
effects of the days which consists of three sections: 1. lucky and
unlucky effects of the days; 2. lucky and unlucky influences of the
stars; 3. good omens and bad omens.
There is a discussion concerning the
Divine providence or decree "qadar", which is followed by the
analysis of the meaning of 'the teaching of wisdom' (ta'lim al-hikmah)
, and uses both the Qur'anic verses and rational arguments.
The last discussion of this volume is
concerned with the subject of hypocrisy (nifaq) during the early
days of Islam. This discussion is based on the Qur'anic verses and
historical facts in the context of the Surat al-Munafiqun. Like
other discussions of al-Mizan, this also reveals the keen
observation of the author and his understanding of the most sensitive
points, which uncover the ugly visage of the hypocrites and their unholy
aims and losses inflicted by them on the Muslims and Islam during the
course of history of Islam.
The Twentieth Volume:
After outlining the general principles
according to which 'Allamah Tabataba'I has discussed and analysed
various subjects in the nineteen volumes of al-Mizan, we open its
twentieth and last volume with a view to enumerate the special subjects
discussed in it.
This volume, which has 339 pages,
contains the exposition of the last 45 short surahs of the
Qur'an, that is, from the Surat al-Ma'arij, which is the
seventieth surah of the Qur'an, to al-Nas'. the last and
the hundred and fourteenth surah. The various subjects discussed
in this book in the context of the surahs of the Qur'an are as
follows:
- A discussion about the Jinn.
- A discussion about hypocrisy (nifaq),
which is complementary to the discussion started in the nineteenth
volume.
- A discussion about the nature of man
from the viewpoint of the Qur'an.
- A discussion about the oaths in the
Qur'an, that is, a list of the things and beings by which God swears
in His Holy Book.
- A discussion about the meaning of
soul (ruh) in the Qur'an.
- A discussion as to how angels serve
as the agencies of administration in the system of existence.
With these studies the exegesis
al-Mizan concludes. Benedictions be on the blessed soul of 'Allamah
Tabataba'I for its guiding us in exploring and understanding this
unfathomable ocean of meaning and ideas. We read it and benefit from it
according to our limited talents and capacities. We hope that great
efforts will be made to publish and distribute this encyclopedic
exegesis, which is unparalleled in the history of the commentaries of
the Qur'an.
(1) From Al-Tawhid, Vol.III,
No.2, Rabi al-Thani-Jamadi al-Thani, 1406 (January-March, 1986)
Abu al-Qasim Razzaqi, the author of
this article, was one of the 46 martyred in the downing of a civilian
aircraft by the jets of the criminal Ba'athist regime in Iranian
territory near the city of Ahwaz on February 20, 1986. |