ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books An Introduction To the Al-mizan 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.

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. 1- 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. 2- 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.

3- 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.