Sufi Interpretation Method: Comparative Investigation between Mohammad Husein Dhahabi and Mohammad Hadi Ma'rifat

Sufi interpretation method is considered to be of the methods whcich has attracted the attention of commentators from the early centuries of Islam who have made effort ot interpret Quran taking the its nature into account and applying the data attained through intuition the result of which is a number of interpretations based on Sufi perspective. However, Sufi interpretations have always been subject to criticism by the scholars whose views have been the representative of their denomination. This article evaluates Dhahabi and Mohammad Hadi Ma'rifat's views regarding Sufi interpretation method the view of both of whom is accompanied by critique. Th edifference is that Dhahabi, dividing Sufism into practical and theoretical, has positive view towards such interpretations, however, Mohammad Hadi Ma'rifat's critique roughly encompasses all principles of Sufi interpretations and accorfding to such view, he describes all Sufi interpretations to be based on personal taste. The other fundamental difference is that, unlike Dhahabi, Mohammad Hadi Ma'rifat in spite of critiquing Sufism, consents to esoteric interpretations and mystical concepts derived from mystical interpretations. In addition, generally, Sufi and mystical interpretations include the Shari'a foundations in Quran and hadith. Thus, one can never understand part of Quranic verses and hadiths without considering this method of interpretation.