Comparative Study of Verse 124 in Surah Al-Baqarah from the View of Sunni and Shi’ite Commentators

Comparative study of the Islamic texts particularly verses of the Quran is of special importance. Verse 124 in Surah A-Baqarah has significance because of using the terms such as “Kalamat” (commands), “Imam” (leader), and “‘Ahd” (covenant), and commentators have stated different views on those terms.
The present study surveys the views of Sunni and Shi’ite commentators in this regard. The above terms in this verse have decisive roles in its interpretation. Through this research, it is determined that the term “commands”, with regard to the style of the verse and other similar verses, indicates doing some practical acts which had to be done by prophet Abraham to achieve leadership (Imamah). As for the interpretation of the term “leader”, there are some viewpoints such as political leadership, leader, prophecy, …, and some commentators attempt to reject the leadership of prophet Abraham by considering their own exegesis. However, considering the style of the above-mentioned verse and exegesis of the term “covenant” interpreted by most Sunni and Shi’ite commentators as leader, it is evident that prophet Abraham and his offspring achieved the honor of leadership. Relying on Sunni and Shi’ite exegesis and also similar verses and narratives, this paper seeks to analyze the above verse as much as possible.