Rereading the External and Internal Components of the Qur'an in Light of Tradition

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Theology, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

2 Full Professor, Department of Qur'anic Studies, Research Institute of Hawzah and University

Abstract

Rereading the External and Internal Components of the Qur'an in Light of Tradition



Abstract: Most Islamic scholars hold the common belief that the Holy Qur'an encompasses two aspects: external and internal. However, various interpretations have emerged over time regarding the nature and understanding of these external and internal dimensions. Despite the narrative origins of these concepts, the prevailing theories often lack a basis in tradition. When these theories are documented in traditions, they frequently encounter issues such as selective use of hadiths, citation of unrelated hadiths, and a failure to consider the semantic interdependence of the external and internal aspects. Therefore, this study employs a descriptive and analytical approach to analyze the narratives within this field, critically examining historical viewpoints to uncover the commonalities and differences between the external and internal dimensions in the narrative tradition, as well as to establish their relationship. The study concludes by identifying several components of Zahir and Batin, including their inclusiveness across all verses, their relationship with the concept of interpretation, the intentional nature of their meanings, their multi-faceted and multi-level characteristics, the differentiation of layers of meaning between the external and internal dimensions, the potential for transcending contextual boundaries in their interpretation, and the semantic continuity between the external and internal dimensions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Researches of Quran and Hadith Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 June 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 April 2024
  • Revise Date: 02 June 2024
  • Accept Date: 23 June 2024

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