A Study of the Verse of Mawaddah According to Shia and Ahl al-Sunnah

One of the verses about which Shia and Sunni exegetes have offered discrepant views is the verse 23 of Chapter alShura, better known as the "Verse of Mawaddah (love)". The controversy is largely around the word qurba (near relatives) in the verse and then 'love of the near relatives'. This study aims to examine the viewpoints of the companions of the Prophet (S) and those of the tabeen (disciples) as well as the traditions of the Household of the Prophet (S) and opinions of Shia and Sunni exegetes and commentators regarding the said verse. The conclusion drawn out is that the term qurba according to Ahl al-Sunnah means 'relative's and love of 'qurba' means respecting the relatives of the Prophet (S). According to Shia, love of 'qurba' means not only respecting the close relatives of the Prophet (S) but also accepting their authority and guardianship and considering their authority as the continuation of the authority of the Holy Prophet (S).