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In
The Name of Allah, the Beneficent and the Most Merciful
A
brief survey of the contents of Al-Mizan (Arabic version)
By:
Late Abu al-Qassim Razzaqi
For a thorough understanding of this valuable, great and
cyclopedia 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 Arabic 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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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After this some other important issues are taken up, such as
the meaning of prophetic mission, metaphorical meaning of the
concretization 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:
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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).
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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.
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A dialectical and philosophical study of the relationship of
succession between the acts and their causes.
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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.
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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.
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