A Critical Analysis of Andrew Repin's Article “Camel or Rope”

One of the Orientalists who has numerous articles in the field of Qur’anic sciences and exegesis is Andrew Repine, an English Christian scholar who, in one of his articles entitled "Camel or Rope", examines the meaning of the word " الجمل" in verse 40 of Surah A'raf. While quoting different sayings, he finally mentions the existence of two different readings of "Jamal: Male Camel" and "Jummal: Thick Rope" of this word and considers the second reading formed by commentators who, from the third century onwards, aimed at overcoming theological debates as well as showing the superiority of the Qur'an over other divine books, they have prepared it and attributed it to Ibn Abbas. Repine, in addition to this claim, has targeted several important foundations of Muslim belief in the Qur'an; This is also found in the works of other Orientalists. If such works are criticized, they will undoubtedly have destructive effects, one of which is the weakening of the foundations of Muslim belief. In this article, while examining the word "جمل" and the background of its various readings, we also tried to examine including the works of earlier commentators and lexicographers, Repine's claim by analytical and descriptive methods and also by critical output. As a result, the roots of different readings go back to the time of the Companions and Followers [Tabieen], and that claim that Ibn Abbas's recitation was fabricated and its other consequences by presenting the relevant evidences is regarded invalid and the famous recitation of جمل, its conformity with the recitation of the Prophet (P) and existence quite stronger proof are proved.