A Comparative Analysis of the Exegetic Functions of the Separators of Verses in al-Mizan and Tasnim

The separators at the end of verses hold much importance from literal and denotative aspects. From the denotative aspect, since these separators have a strong place and connection with respect to the content of verses, they have a great impact on the interpretation of the content of the verse and can help in interpretation. Now how can the exegete use these separators in the exegesis and explanation of the content of verses? Do commentators hold the same view regarding the use of separators in the interpretation of a verse? In this article, through a descriptive-analytic method, we have reviewed and comparatively studied the uses of two great contemporary exegetes, Allamah Tabatabaei and Ayatollah Javadi Amoli, in explaining the content of verses. In this comparison, it will become clear that the following functions are common in both exegeses: dispelling the illusions of doubts and ambiguities from verses, critiquing exegetic views and possibilities, explaining the content of verses and deducing a judgment from verses using separators. However, Allamah has used separators specifically for strengthening, emphasizing, and rectifying exegetic views and possibilities, critiquing narrations that explain the circumstances of the revelation of verses, and emphasizing or prioritizing a certain reading. Ayatollah Javadi has also specifically employed them in Tafsīr Tasnīm as proofs for a topic, arguments for a rule present in a verse, perceiving a message, arriving at a conclusion from the verse, and explaining the temporariness of the rule of a verse.