Imam Khomeini (May his spirit be sanctified)and Applications of Interpretive Traditions

Researchers of the Qur’an have devoted much attention to subject of the validity and application of interpretive riwayat (traditions). Imam Khomeini (may his spirit be sanctified) regards interpretive traditions as important and most useful source of interpretation. He thinks that the Fourteen Infallibles'' traditions have a kind of spirituality and illumination which the sayings of others lack. Although، contrary to his views about legal traditions، he does not consider interpretive traditions as authoritative، this does not mean that he considers interpretive traditions unreliable or rejects them. Therefore، he frequently uses interpretive traditions in his commentary of the Qur’an. The present paper investigates how and to what extent has Imam Khomeini referred to interpretive traditions. The instances of the traditions he has cited have been calculated after reviewing the interpretive traditions in all his works. It seems that he has used interpretive traditions in such instances as esoteric commentary، applicability، conformation and explanation of the meanings of Qur’anic verses، commentary، and the occasion of the revelation of Quranic verses.