A Comparative Study of Majma’ al-Bayān and Kashāf on Interpretation of Majāz in Surat al-Ḥijr

The issue of Ḥaqīqat (truth) and Majāz (metaphor), as a rhetorical and an instrument in artistic creation, plays a special role in recognizing meaning. Apart from its effect on rhetorical science, it is important in interpretation of the Qur’an, being concerned by the exegetes. Any interpreter who neglects this aspect will put in mistake, and the least harm is to stay away from excellent concepts that the Qur’an has expressed in this way. In this research, methodologically based on comparative study, two rhetorical concepts of Majāz and ‘Isti’ārah of phrases of the Surat al-Ḥijr in the exegeses of Kashāf and Majma’ al-Bayān are studied. Findings show that both Zamakhsharī and Ṭabrisī to some extent discussed the metaphorical meanings in their books, though sometimes neglected them. ‘Ālūsī, however, followed rhetorical divisions to express metaphors, presenting stronger views.