The Role of Imam Ali (a) in the Development of Exegesis and Quranic Sciences

There are many traditions regarding the inheritance of prophetic knowledge by the infallible Imams (a) therefore, by studying the views and methods of the infallibles (a), and especially Imam ʿAlī (a), we can arrive at an understanding of the correct way to approach the Qurʾān and its related sciences. The present article seeks to address the question of the role of Imam ʿAlī (a) in the development of exegesis and Qurʾānic sciences. The main focus of this paper is the study of the Imam’s position the field of Qurʾānic interpretation and his actions to prevent the distortion of the Qurʾān and Islam. Exploring the various hermeneutical methods employed by Imam ʿAlī clearly shows his vast knowledge which led to the training of many great students who would then educate the people about religion through [Qurʾānic] exegesis and narrations. Additionally, through the [development of] Qurʾānic sciences and teaching it to the companions, the Qurʾān was preserved from distortion so much so that if this was not done properly, the coming generations would have been unable to benefit from this great contribution.