The Methodology Employed by Allameh Ja fari in the Interpretation of Nahj al-Balaghah: With an Emphasis on Interpretive Sources and References

Allameh Mohammad-Taqi Ja’fari، one of the prominent contemporary scholars، has several compilations among which is Translation and Interpretation of Nahj al-Balaghah. Methodological study of this work reveals the greatness of Imam Ali’s (PBUH) sayings as well as skillfulness of the exegete. The present research is based on the interpretive sources and references. Verses of The Holy Qur’an، the narratives of the Infallibles، and the commentaries of the exegetes of Nahj al-Balaghah are the most important means to understand the words of Imam Ali (PBUH). The Qur’an، as the most significant resource for understanding of the narratives، and at the next level، the narratives by other Imams as well as Imam Ali’s words، were used as verbal evidence. Using various approaches to study the references-such as comparative or confirmatory approaches-and also comprehensive review of the verses and narratives were effective in explaining the references.