A Comparative Study of the Signification of verse 16:43 in terms of the Scientific Authority of the Ahlul-Bayt (AS) according to the Exegetes of the Two Sects

There are many verses in the Quran that signify the scientific authority of the Ahlul-Bayt (AS). Some verses make clear and explicit reference to this point and others simply imply it. Among the verses that make clear reference to the scientific authority of the family of the Prophet (S) is verse 43 of Surah al-Nahl (16) which has been repeated in verse 7 of Surah al-Abiya (21) with a little variation. God, the Exalted, says: "And We did not send before you any but men to whom We sent revelation-- so ask the followers of the Reminder if you do not know." This article seeks, after explaining the key concepts, to mention various views about the manifestation of the 'followers of the Reminder'. First the views of those exegetes, who believe that the 'followers of the Reminder' are the People of the Book, have been analyzed and the difficulties of this view have been pointed out. Then another viewpoint that says that the question, questioner and the person to whom the question is directed is general, has been critically assessed and rejected. Finally, the view of those Shia and Sunni scholars who relying on the traditions hold that 'followers of the Reminder' are the Ahlul-Bayt (AS) have been elaborated. The relevant narrations reported in the sources of both sects have been examined.