Comparative Analysis of the Viewpoints of the Usulis and Sunni and Shi’ite Commentators on Exegesis of the Most Important Verses about the Principle of Bira’at

Document Type : Academicm and Research

Authors

1 M.A. in Fiqh and Fundaments of Law, University of Shiraz

2 Associate Professor, Department of the Qur'anic Science and Fiqh, University of Shiraz

Abstract

Analysis of the arguments for Bira’at (presumption of innocence) -as one of the most fundamental principles among Shi’ite Usulis (the majority Twelver Shi’ite Muslim group)- is immensely important; and some Usulis have made reference to the verses in the Qur’an to prove this presumption. This article aims to mention the most important Qur'anic verses on the principle of Bira’at such as Surah al-Isra: 15, Surah at-Talaq: 7, Surah al-Anfal: 42; and then to compare the Usulis and Shi’ite and Sunni commentators’ viewpoints in order to determine their commonalities and differences. The Usulis have two perspectives on the given verses. One perspective denotes that those verses imply presumption of innocence and another does not so. Given the first verse (Surah al-Isra: 15), Sunni exegeses mostly point to the difference between religious and rational Bira’at. Moreover, in Twelver exegeses there are perspectives like those of Usulis. Shi’ite and Sunni commentators perceive the second verse (Surah at-Talaq:7) as the negation of unbearable duty from God, and have pointed to some instances of unbearable duties such as Infaq (charity) more than one can afford, insight without having its requirement and so on. These exegeses are compatible with the interpretation of the verse denoting ban on every unbearable duty. Many commentators of both denominations have interpreted the third verse (al-Anfal: 41) with regard to its occasion of revelation (asbab al-Nuzul). Usuli verses have undergone changes and transformations through history. Since Sunni and Shi’ite commentators as well as Usuli scholars in both Islamic jurisprudent denominations have much commonality on the given verses, so comparative analysis of their views can contribute to the convergence and affinity between Fiqh principles and exegesis.

Keywords

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Comparative Interpretation Research
Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 8
February 2019
Pages 7-36

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