Principles and Methods for Interpreting the Quran Based on the Requirements of the Time

Interpretation [of the Qurʾān] according to requirements of the time and place, in a valid way that is in accordance with the laid down criteria, and ensuring that one does not fall into exegesis based on subjective opinion and erroneous interpretation, is one of the most essential processes that is required to meet the needs of the contemporary generation. Examining the dimensions of requirements of the time, paying attention to the principles of exegesis on the basis of the needs of the time (lack of distortion in the Qurʾān, the Qurʾān as divine speech, the probativeness of the apparent meanings of the Qurʾān, timelessness of the Qurʾān etc.), observing its rules and norms (not contradicting definitive traditions, certain reason, and what has been established as fact by the empirical sciences etc.), and strategies such as: researching the esoteric aspects according to different perspectives, especially the viewpoint of Ayatollah Maʿrifat regarding the esoteric meanings of the verses; research on abrogation with emphasis on conditional, gradual and interlocutory abrogation; the theory of the „discretionary sphere of law‟ as propounded by Shahid Sadr; attention to thematic commentary (within the Qurʾān, without the Qurʾān and interdisciplinary); the theories of Shahid Mutahhari; legislative wisdom, the Ahl al-Bayt‟s scientific authority; Imam Khomeinī (r) and his attention to dynamic ijtihād and the role of time and place in ijtihād; the role of custom (ʿurf) in exegesis; the Qurʾānic basis of social sciences, and the scientific and social approaches, are some of the relevant issues related to the method of exegesis based on the requirements of the time and place. This article seeks to answer the question about which principles and methods of Qurʾānic interpretation are based on the needs of time. The research methodology employed is documentary, yet analytical and fundamental, based on the retrieval of practically applicable conclusions.