Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 17، number In Volume 9، December 2024 ، issue Number 103

A reflection on Ruzbihan Baqli's interpretation methods in Arais al-Bayan

Mahdieh Piri Ardakani , Mehdi Malek Sabet (Author in Charge), Mohammad Khodadadi

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Arais al-Bayan is the most considerable work of Ruzbihan Baqli, a renowned mystic and Qur"an researcher in the 12th century. The present study is based on the complete investigation of this book, scrutinizing 1372 different examples of the explanation of the verses of the Quran, including 772 formed with the help of other verses and 600 of which with the help of various hadiths. It studied his application of three methods, including "Quran to Quran", "Hadith documented", and chimerical-mystical method of interpretation. By explaining the characteristics and abundance of each of the three types of interpretation, this research tries to give a clearer view of the interpretation of the Qur"an by Ruzbihan Baqli.

METHODOLOGY: The data used in this study is out of the search in library sources. Then, the data are scrutinized by the method of description and analysis and sometimes, depending on the investigation requirements, through comparison.

FINDINGS: In Arais al-Bayan, all three methods of interpretation have numerous instances. Despite this, the abundance of evidence of the Hadith-documented method of interpretation is more than the interpretation of the Qur"an to the Qur"an. Ruzbihan has used two methods in interpreting the Qur"an to the Qur"an: intra-sura and inter-sura reference. The latter method has a clearer privilege than the first one. He has used many hadiths in his interpretation of the verse. In his book, the clear priority is the hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and then the words of Hazrat Sadiq (pbuh). Qudsi and Alavi hadiths have been used in a lesser proportion. The chimerical-mystical interpretation is Ruzbihan"s third method for interpretation of Quranic verses. The frequency of this type is equal to documented interpretation.

CONCLUSION: In Arais al-Bayan, in addition to the evidence of chimerical-mystical interpretation, there are numerous instances of Qur"an to the Qur"an and Qur"an to Hadith. This fact shows Ruzbihan"s vast knowledge of the Qur"an and Hadiths. Also, the proper and extensive use of verses and Hadiths to explain the verses of the Qur"an, which is based on the discovery of subtle and precise connections between them, proves the presence of the mind and the power of associating the subjects in Ruzbihan. On the other hand, the various evidences of interpretation of the Qur"an to the Qur"an and Qur"an to Hadith show that the book should not be considered merely a chimerical-mystical explanation of the Qur"an verses. However, instead, it should be considered as having broad dimensions of interpretation.

Keyword
Ruzbihan Baqli , Arais al-Bayan , Documented interpretation of Quran , Mystical interpretation of Quran

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