تفسیر موضوعی

The use of extra-religious methods such as the semiotic method in combination with intra-religious methods of understanding the interpretive text is a step towards designing a novel method and completing and developing previous methods of understanding the verses of the Quran. In order to complete and develop the thematic interpretation method of Shahid Sadr, this research has investigated the “thematic-semiotic interpretation modeling method”, which ultimately led to the integration of the process of discovering the conceptual signifiers of coexistence and substitution relations with the thematic interpretation method. The integration was carried out at the stage of the ijtihad method as part of the process of the inquiry method. To explain the nature and outcome of this integration, the Izutsu Quranic semantics method was used, which, in combination with the thematic interpretation method, provides a mechanism for the multiplication and discovery of deep layers of meanings, including: a developing worldview, cultural subsystems, approaching the central signifier, and interatextuality. To objectify the application of this model, we began to construct examples of coexistence and substitution relations in verses related to the story of Moses and Pharaoh. By analyzing the signs, a series of co-occurring and substitutive relationships and the deep layers of meanings resulting from these relationships were revealed.

In the field of semiotics of Quranic words, several articles and books have been published so far, for example, an article titled "Analysis of the semantic components of truth in the Holy Quran using the method of association and substitution" by Sasani and Azadi (2012). The article "Semantics of the word in the Holy Quran with an emphasis on association and substitution relations" by Shafizadeh and Baharzadeh (2014). Both studies seek to understand the association and substitution relations in the concepts of the Holy Quran using the technique of semiotics. The two books Biology of the Text by Alireza Ghaeminia and the book God and Man in the Quran by Toshihiko Izutsu were among the sources that have studied the semiotics of Quranic words and have been helpful in this research. The distinction of the present study from previous studies on semiotics in the verses of the Quran is the innovative approach of this study in focusing on the methodology that presents the "method of modeling thematic interpretation - cognitive semiology" that has been achieved through a systematic process of discovering conceptual models through understanding the relationships of association and substitution and combining it with the concepts of the Quranic verses, which is the method of thematic interpretation of Martyr Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr; it seeks to complete and develop the method of thematic interpretation using the semiotic method. In the searches that were conducted in relation to the background of the subject, none of the sources related to semiotics, including books and articles related to Quranic research, have addressed the subject of the present study. 

This research, which was conducted using an analytical-descriptive method and is considered a second-level study in the field of methodology, has examined the "method of modeling thematic-semiotic interpretation" in order to open a way to complete and develop Shahid Sadr's thematic interpretation method.

The semiotic method provides a mechanism for multiplying meanings for the thematic interpreter. The characteristics of the interpretative method of Shahid Sadr include the areas of the target, the subject, the active role of the interpreter, and the method in the thematic interpretation. The thematic interpretation method is an empirical method of understanding the subject, and in collecting verses, it is an inductive method, in analyzing verses, it is an ijtihad method, and in extracting theory, it is an interrogative method. The conceptual arguments discovered through the association and substitution relationships in the ijtihad method stage of the thematic interpretation of Shahid Sadr can be combined. After explaining the method of "modeling thematic-semiotic interpretation", we sought to show how the combination of the semiotic method with the thematic interpretation method creates a structural and systemic approach and attitude to the arguments of the verses of the Holy Quran and opens wider horizons for the thematic interpreter. To outline this process, we used the theoretical foundations of Izutsu, who has presented detailed analyses in the semiotics of the Holy Quran. Izutsu shows how semiotics leads to the discovery of deeper layers of meaning, including the recognition of a living and developing ethnic worldview, cultural subsystems, approaching the central signifier of the text, and discovering the level of intratextuality. Semiotics, in combination with the thematic interpretation method, not only provides the interpreter with a mechanism for the plurality of meanings, but also opens up the aforementioned layers in the recognition and understanding of the meaning of the Holy Quran. In the final part of the research, we applied the “method of semiotics-thematic interpretation” to the interpretation of the story of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and Pharaoh in the Holy Quran, and by designing models of co-occurring and substitutive relationships in the verses of the Quran, we outlined the functions of these concepts. The results of these relationships objectively, in addition to showing the system of multiplication of meanings, also revealed deep layers of meaning and showed how each model can reflect the ethnic worldview in the text of the verses and discover cultural subsystems that, by combining them, can achieve a structural and systemic understanding of the divine and material worldview. Each model is able to bring us closer to the central meaning of the text, and the intratextuality in each of the models shows that the key words together organize a specific semantic system; perhaps if the same word is placed in another text or in another semantic field; it may not have such a meaning.

One of the ways to assess the feasibility and the manner of the scientific authority of the Holy Quran is a comparative look at the issues of various sciences and comparing the same issues in the Quran. For this purpose, first, a problem or problems are selected from each of the sciences, and by submitting it to the Holy Quran, The possibility of the scientific authority of the Qur'an in relation to that knowledge and how it is examined. Ethics is one of the sciences that deserves to be analyzed regarding the scientific authority of the Holy Quran. In this article, by selecting a theory from the ethics (existential fitness theory), it is shown how to present it to the Holy Quran. And by determining the dimensions of the theory of existential fitness, each of the dimensions of the theory becomes the focus of a question to be submitted to the Holy Quran. By finding how the Holy Qur'an answers these questions, we can reach conclusions about the scientific authority of the Qur'an in relation to this theory in particular and the philosophy of ethics in general.

One of the trends in the interpretation of the Holy Quran is the Egyptian New Mu’tazilite trend or literary interpretation, which, according to the specialization of an exegete or his personal interest, basically explores the literary sciences in the Quran, such as morphology, syntax, vocabulary, and rhetoric, and relying on these literary sciences analyze the verses of the Quran and interpret the Quran. Literary interpretation has gone through significant changes and evolutions and has finally flourished and evolved in the new era. This trend, which started with the appearance of Taha Hussein in Egypt, was continued by Amin Khauli and his student Bint al-Shati and reached its peak in the thoughts of Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd. The first goal of these interpretations is the pure literary understanding of the Quran without any preconditions. For this interpretative tendency, indicative elements such as a systematic look at the verses, lack of synonyms, precedence of the Quran over literary rules, respect for the culture of the descent era, opposition to scientific interpretation in a special sense, etc. have mentioned a new identity. In this article, an attempt is made to analyze and explain in detail the function of each element in the interpretation of the Holy Quran with a library study and descriptive-analytical method.

Thematic interpretation, as a solution proposed by Martyr Sadr for active confrontation with the Qur'an and discovering its theory on various topics and issues, has different levels, the main focus of which is question design (Istintaq). Despite the widespread acceptance of this approach by contemporary Qur'anic scholars and the production of many works with an interpretive approach, some shortcomings in it call into question the " Qur'anic nature of the researcher's efforts result." Despite the efforts of some experts to refine and complete this approach, due to the lack of focus on the focal points in the challenges of thematic interpretation, This article uses the methods of description, analysis and inference to the critical readings of the process of question design, and the proposed strategies for the fulfilment of Qur'anic theorizing have not been entirely successful. Passivity in the face of the issue and problem, lack of a comprehensive plan to refer to the whole Qur'an and failure to explain the position of Ahl al-Bayt in understanding the Qur'an are the three critical harms. There are three ways to eliminate these harms. First, before entering into interpretation, should present the paradigm of subject and issue to the Qur'an. Then, we should do the broad Quranic finding implication by reviewing all the Qur'an verses. Finally, for initial understanding of the verses and completing and developing the concepts resulting from the Qur'anic study and recognizing the relevant practical dimensions, refer to the narrations.

Grounded theory is one of the most popular analytical methods used for qualitative data which is used in the Quranic studies and thematic interpretations in recent decades. The process of theory production by this method is through relevant data collection, coding, categorization and conceptualization. The application of this analytical method in the interpretation of various Qur'anic topics has been shown in some works, but this method has not been methodologically evaluated. And if a work claims to evaluate the process, it is only in a limited area and with a specific orientation. This article tries to explain the basics of this method, to introduce the differences between its application in Qur’anic sciences and humanities studies, and finally to answer the problems that have been raised about the capabilities of this method in thematic interpretation. As a result, the paper shows that grounded theory has an algorithm which can be systematically applied, and it can be used in a systematic way to discover the divine purpose.

In recent years, the thematic approach to the interpretation of the Qur’an has gained more speed, and interpreters have adopted a holistic approach to the Qur’an and its sūras with the aim of acquiring new knowledge. The theory of thematic unity also seeks to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the verses of the Qur’an with the premise of a single topic for each sūra. In the meantime, Mustafa Muslim, by writing “Al-Tafsīr Al-Mawḍū‘ī li Suwar Al-Qur’an Al-Karīm”, presented the first complete interpretation of the sūras of the Qur’an based on thematic unity. The extent of his success or failure in implementing this interpretation method and evaluating the efficiency of his theory depends on the study and examination of his interpretation work. Therefore, the main idea of ​​this article is to review the interpretation method of Mustafa Muslim in Sūrat Al-Baqarah with emphasis on the theory of thematic unity; whereas tracing and proving the thematic unity in the longest sūra of the Qur’an can be a confirmation of the mentioned theory and may reduce the amount of opposition to it; however, the findings of the research show that the thematic interpretation of Mustafa Muslim suffers from shortcomings such as affectation in determining the pivots and divisions of the sūras, the absence of the theory of thematic unity in the process of interpretation, ambiguity and distress in the method, etc. All in all, he has not been able to implement his theory of thematic unity in his interpretation.

Researchers have dealt with the thematic interpretation (of the Qur'an) from various perspectives, which resulted in the creation of different methods in this interpretation style. One of the procedures that has attracted the attention of the scientific community in the current era is the revelational interpretation style. Since this procedure claims to discover the methods of institutionalization of Qur'anic teachings, its effectiveness has been examined in this paper. For this purpose, first of all, the basics of this procedure are considered, which are "legitimacy and permissibility of interpretation in the order of descent", "the availability of the order of descent", "the wisdom of the Qur'an in its content and method", "coherence of verses and surahs", "non-conflict of the revelational interpretation with the belief in devotion of verses and surahs in the formal Holy Qur'an" and "the words of the Qur'an as being verbal". Then, they are evaluated under the titles of "The illegitimacy of interpretation according to the order of revelation", "The lack of influence of the order of revelation in the understanding of God's purpose", "Uncertainty about the order of surahs", "Changes in the Qur'an", "Difficulty in finding the main axis of each surah" in a descriptive-analytical method and leads to the relative efficiency of this interpretation procedure. However, it needs explanation and serious revision in some of its basics.

As a factor for realizing the phenomenon of understanding, “dialogue with the text” is a common paradigm has been greatly emphasized by both Muḥammad-Bāqir al-Ṣadr (1935-1980) in his thematic interpretation of the Qur’an and Hans-Georg Gadamer (1900- 2002) in his philosophical hermeneutics. Of course, the former’s approach to understanding the Qur’anic text seems normative, while the latter’s approach to understanding the text per se is descriptive. Through a comparative study of these two different approaches, the present study has examined the validity of al-Ṣadr’s methodological viewpoint according to Gadamer’s phenomenological perspective. In addition, it has endeavored to pursue this crucial question to what extent do’s and don’ts in al-Ṣadr’s interpretive method correspond to the is and isn’t of Gadamer’s hermeneutics. However, the suggested model does not have the same origin in the thought of these two leading thinkers. The similarity of their theories seems structural, hence, the present study can evidently be categorized as an example of macro-comparative studies based on structural similarities. Investigating the elements of conversation in both theories has convincingly proved the legitimacy of “dialogue with the text” as a model for the thematic interpretation of the Qur’an. It shows as well that the differences between the two theories stem from some issues outside the essence and process of understanding and therefore do not methodologically undermine the ontological validity of the thematic interpretation.

Shahid Sadr is undoubtedly one of the pioneers of Qur’anic theoreticians in the contemporary era. He considers that attaining the theories of the Qur’an requires the inquiry from the Divine Word. Although the interpretation of “inquiry” has a narrative origin and has always been used by thinkers in religious literature, but in the thought of Martyr Sadr it is a special term and a key concept on which the Qur’anic theorizing is based. Considering the importance of this concept in recognizing Shahid Sadr’s view on Qur’anic theorizing, the present study has used a descriptive-analytical approach to explain the conceptual components of “inquiry of the Qur’an” in his thought. The outcomes of the research show that the inquiry of the Qur’an is a different category from the interpretation of the Qur’an in terms of purpose, subject, and method, and its product lies in the field of allusions to the Divine Word. This concept also focuses on such components as questioning, adaptation, historicity, infinity, bilaterality, intelligence, judgment and unity of text and commentator and paying attention to their nature, role, and proportions clarifies the hidden dimensions of Shahid Sadr’s view in Qur’anic theorizing and provides a model for theorizing the Qur’an on the basis of his views.

The special structure of the Qur'an requires that in order to access the Qur'an's views on various subjects, one must have a harmonious and comprehensive approach to its verses. The Holy Quran have different levels and degrees of knowledge; contemplation, exegesis, and interpretation are some of the most important ways of understanding the Holy Qur'an. Between these three words, there is a public, special and specific connection (In terms of the duty of the people towards the Holy Qur'an). The public will access the jewels of the Qur'an through contemplation. Commentators will think at a higher level by using specialized keys and tools. Contemplation in the field of exegesis of a part of the Holy Qur'an - the truth and the essence of the divine word - is the prerogative of the infallibles (AS). thematic contemplation is a new way of understanding the Holy Qur'an. Using this technique, it is possible to extract the Qur'anic view on various issues of life and revealed theology through a direct reference to the scripture book. In the researches and works of scholars and commentators, this skill has been used as well as thematic commentary and through it (without mentioning the title of thematic contemplation). This research has explained the nature of thematic contemplation by using comparative-analytical method and examining the relationship and difference between contemplation and near-meaning words.

The “comparative interpretation” as a new method in the Qur’anic studies has been paid attentionby the Qur’anic scholars and some research has been conducted regarding variousQur’anic issues as well as the related explanations. But the incomplete interpretation of thisinterpretive method and supposing that comparison is the purpose of discovering differencesand similarities prevents the development of the right process and reduces its efficiency. Withthe aim of providing a basis for comparative studies, this study examines the practical processof comparative studies in the Qur’an. This process has some levels (L), steps (S) and procedures(P) which are presented as follows: L1. selecting the controversial issue; 2. defining theproblem; 3. preparing the structure; 4. identifying the subjects of adaptation and the type ofconfrontation of views; 5. preparing research literature; 6. extracting the view of the Qur’anwith regard to the view of the applicable commentators; L6 S1 .collecting relevant verses; L6S1 P1. obtaining the verses cited and their types; L6 S1 P2. searching and extracting verseswith various meanings, using literal and conceptual methods and using various tools andsources and categorizing them; L6 S1 P3. Step 3: judging the verses cited by the commentatorsaccording to the collected verses; L6 S2. understanding the verses and evaluating the interpreters’understanding of the verses they cite L6 S2 P1. understanding the verses in their place,by making sure of the recitation, the meanings of the words and their literary position and thephrase of the verses, discovering the practical meanings and serious meanings of the verses;L6 S2 P2. assessing the comprehension of the applicable commentators on the verses and theirdifferences; L6 S2 P3. determining the meaning of the verses and judging the understandingof the commentators according to the factors of difference in interpretation ; L6 S3. extractingthe view of the Qur’an according to the opinions of the applicable commentators ; L6 S3 P1.collective consideration of the verses which have close implications with each other; L6 S3 P2.seeing conflicting verses and resolving conflict; L7. evaluating the views of the commentators.

The comprehensiveness of the Qur'an is one of the fundamental issues of Qur'anic interpretation and science, which is very effective in understanding the meaning and purpose of God's word. Researchers have cited verses from the Qur'an to explain the realm of Qur'anic knowledge. The paper, citing their commentators' views on the comprehensiveness of the Quran verse ﴿قل لئن اجتمعت الإنس و الجن علی‏ ان یاتوا بمثل هذا القرآن لا یاتون بمثله و لو کان بعضهم لبعض ظهیرا﴾ (Isra, 88) - one of the verses documentary It is comprehensive - it has studied descriptively-analytically and has tried to answer the question of which interpretations of the verse have been documented as comprehensive and what kind of comprehensiveness they have considered. Studies have shown that despite the long-standing teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt on comprehensive of Qur'an, the comprehensive use of this verse has been done more than contemporary commentators who have a scientific-ijtihad approach to the Qur'an.

"Ground theory" is a qualitative method and is used in interpretive social research to analyze texts and extract theory from research data. Researchers in the religious humanities have developed the application of this method and used it to thematically analyze the text of the Qur'an and extract theories from it. On the other hand, from the point of view of Shahid Sadr, the valid ijtihadic method for exploring the scientific theories of the Qur'an is "thematic interpretation". Therefore, the application of contextual theory in Qur'anic theorizing, as a way of considering this method, as a thematic interpretation of the Qur'an. In the present article, the validity of this application is examined based on the views of Shahid Sadr.The problems of this research are presented in two areas of theorizing based on the method of Ground theory, and theorizing based on the interpretation of ijtihadic subject. Therefore, in validating and solving the research problem, the principles and rules of qualitative methodology and ijtihadic methodology are used. The main finding of this research can be considered as a methodological type. In this research, it is shown that in any theoretical research, including in the research of religious humanities and Qur'anic theorizing research, the research method must be appropriate to a valid scientific approach and a valid source of knowledge. Accordingly, the use of conventional research methods in the humanities, such as the method of contextual theory, for Qur'anic theorizing has no necessary methodological justification.

There are a large number of possibilities among the interpreters of Quran as to the meaning and the purpose of verse "91 of Surah Hijr"; such as the separation of verses and ignoring its unity. The Quranic verses are interrelated, similar to the organs of a body.  The Quran is a book to guide the life of man. Therefore, addressing an issue in the Quran, taking into account other relevant subjects, contributes to the realization of the message and localization of sciences and also leads to more positive and clear results. In this article, based on the comprehensiveness and integrity of Quranic verses and the multidimensionality of its Surahs, the emphasis is laid on the necessity of a comprehensive approach for interdisciplinary studies. The method of this work is thoughtfulness in the verses and the method of collection is library.

 The relation of afflictions and the Divine justice has since been a serious controversy among Muslim thinkers. The present paper attempts to answer this challenge. To do so, this paper tackles their Quranic views so as to get a more comprehensive outlook of their strengths and weaknesses. In a descriptive-analytical study, first their initial criteria are derived, based on their Quranic outlooks, for they have many criteria in common. As for their differences, concerning the Divine justice, it is found out that there is little agreement among the views of the Mu'tazilites and Ash'arites on the Divine justice and afflictions, and that as men get afflicted based on a Divine will, they commit some crimes and receive their punishments in proportion to their own misconducts, a fact which is the mere justice. In other words, it has been determined that what is in line with the human nature gets activated through affliction and this is the very sense of the Divine justice.   

The purpose of the present study is to explore the causes and obstacles for the political security of parties from the view of the Noble Qur’an. The method of this research is by extracting thematic interpretation and it was comprehended by making a comparison between exegeses in terms of explicit vocabularies, implicit and subjunctive vocabularies as well as different concepts. The results showed that the Qur’an in several cases by referring to the threats to the political security of parties, has pointed to some historical instances in this regard. In the view of the Qur’an, the political security of the parties is acknowledged by accepting and allowing the establishment of political associations, the possibility of structural and political participation in the form of different groups in order to build the political destiny. In a society in which there is political participation of parties and a mutual recognition between them and the political government and the parties have an active tendency to the political structures and decision making as well as executive processes, parties have security and can penetrate in policies and be effective in decisions.

Contemplation, interpretation, and commentary are some of the most important ways to understand the Qur'an. There is a public, private, and special relationship between these three words - in terms of the people's duty to the Qur'an. The public has access to the precious facts in the Qur'an through contemplation. Interpreters contemplate at a higher level using specialized tools. Contemplation in the field of interpretation of a part of the Holy Qur'an - the truth and the essence of the divine word - is the prerogative of the Fourteen Infallibles. Thematic contemplation is a new method in the methods of understanding the Qur'an. Through using this technique, by referring directly to the divine book, one can extract the Qur'anic view on various issues and topics of life and revelatory teachings. In the interpreters' studies, this skill has been used along with thematic interpretation - without mentioning the title of thematic contemplation - and during it. Sequential contemplation is an introduction and a prerequisite for thematic contemplation.