Genealogy of Eclecticism in the Contemporary Exegetic Studies in Iran

During recent century, emergence of religious innovation and reformation aimed at for returning to Quran has initiated new discussions about religious thoughts, Quranic studies and interpretation of the Holy Quran. What makes this period distinct from the others lies in the emergence of novel approaches in religion and commentary of the Quran. Meanwhile, eclecticism, especially in Iran, has had significant influence on religious thoughts, and Quranic studies and interpretation. This paper deals with the genealogy of eclecticism and analyzes its changes. Therefore, providing a clear definition of the stream, its background and context have been explained. Then, with giving clear examples, its apertures of influencing religious innovation and Quran commentary have been shown and finally, three major cases of the stream introduced briefly and classified during the recent century in Iran. Criticizing the despicable eclecticism and discerning it from reasonable innovation, it is hoped, on the one hand, to prove that the acts of the alleged eclecticism are deficient against systematic innovation and. on the other hand, to help the accelerating process of Quranic studies and increasing enthusiasm in Quran commentary so that the researchers, Quran scholars and young commentators would not be entrapped by “innovative and hidden cases eclecticism”.