Classification of the Shiite Exegeses on the Basis of Interpretive Methods

The methodology of every discipline involves the certain definition of that discipline. Thus, methodology in exegesis has a certain definition, which differs from those of other disciplines. From among the definitions of interpretation one may prefer the following one: "The method of interpretation involves the citation of the sources which a commentator uses in his interpretation of the Quran." One may also define the method of interpretation as a path taken by a commentator in his interpretation of the Quran. According to these two definitions, the sources and the way selected by a commentator in his interpretation of the Quran will be regarded as his method of interpretation. Thus, if a commentator interprets the Quranic verses by the Quran itself, he has adopted the Quran-by-Quran method of interpretation. If a commentator bases his commentary on the traditions, he has taken a Quran-by-tradition method of interpretation. The Shiite exegetical heritage may be looked at from the viewpoint of the methodology of exegesis; it may be categorized based on the methods used by the commentators. The present paper is not to provide a critical analysis of the methods of exegesis; it is, in fact, an attempt to describe the methods applied in the Shiite exegeses.