Sourcing the Hadiths of Al-Tibyān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’an, Regarding Shi’a and Sunni Sources

Sourcing the hadiths in the commentary of Al-Tibyān clearly proves that the Shiite books were not its only narrative sources but Shaikh Ṭusī has much used of the Sunni books as well. Among other sources, the commentary of al-Ṭabarī has had the utmost influences on Al-Tibyān; two kinds of narratives found here commonly are traceable in exegetical and traditional sources of the two groups: narratives with the same or similar words and narratives with similar themes but almost different words. Historical examination much helps to learn about the interactions of the Sunni and Shiite sources in the exchange of exegetical narratives. On the other, this comparative study clarifies Shaikh Ṭusī’s method in taking and reporting the narratives. Cutting (taqṭī’), paraphrasing, infusing (idrāj), and inadvertent mistaking (taṣḥīf) in the text and chain of authorities (sanad) are among the damages of Ṭusī’s method in the quotation of the narratives.