The Notion of " al-Rāsikhūn fi al-'Ilm" (Those firmly grounded in knowledge) In Mullā Ṣadrā's Philosophical Literature and Exegetical Viewpoints

One of the well-known Quranic expressions which has been mentioned in the seventh verse of chapter 3 is "al-Rāsikhūn fi al-'Ilm" (those who are firmly grounded in knowledge). This notion is correlated with the subject of interpretation of the ambiguous verses in Islamic commentaries. In Mullā Ṣadrā's works –including both exegetical and philosophical ones- this expression is frequently mentioned. In his exegetical works, he considers having firm knowledge as the necessary element for starting interpretation. He has also expanded the usage of the expression, using it in a wide variety of theological and philosophical matters. For instance, he regards it as a criterion to whether confirm or deny the expert's views in exegesis, philosophy and theology. Reviewing the features of "al-Rāsikhūn fi al-'Ilm" from the perspective of Mullā Ṣadrā and identifying the referents of the notion within his exegetical works, the present study aims at clarifying this expression in his system of thought.