The Role of Independent Evidence in Understanding Interpretive Traditions in Almizan

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor of Research Center of Ulum Pezeshki of Tehran

Abstract

One of the means to reach the main and real meaning of a statement is employing related independent evidence (ghara'n monfasel). In the process of understanding a text, by related evidence (ghara'n) it is meant any statement having lexical or semantic relationship to the discussed statement which help the reader understand its content and purpose; these related evidence can either be in the same context (motasel) or independent from it (monfasel). As for related independent evidence, it is meant those evidences which are not present in the context of the discussed statement and contribute to attain the real meaning of the speaker, after reaching the literal meaning of the word. In this study, in particular, by this term we mean those traditions, verses and undoubtful reasons which have in some way, with regard to its meaning, a connection to the tradition we are to understand and helps us in reaching the real meaning of the tradition. Employing these independent evidence in understanding interpretive traditions, is based more than anything on the acceptance of this principle that "verses of Qur'an and traditions of Ahlulbayt are considered as one consistent unit".
Allameh Tabatabaei's application of these independent evidence specially those of verses and traditions, denoting his acceptance of this principle, is an efficient rule in the process of understanding interpretive traditions in Almizan.

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