Critical Assessment of Ash’arites’ Exegetic Approach to Understanding Religious Texts Based on Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani’s Perspective

The use of interpretation in understanding texts has long been widespread among Islamic thinkers. Apart from a small group of thinkers from both religious sects who have not made use of this method, most Islamic thinkers utilize this method in the field of exegetic and theological discussions. However, no unitary approach does exist among the proponents and opponents. Some have had a maximal level of acceptance of this method in mind while others have limited it to a minimal level and still some others have taken the middle ground. The Ash'arite theologians, especially the earlier ones, do not deny the necessity of interpretation; however, they have practically avoided it, and the requirements and the outcomes of their views show no difference from those of traditionalists. Ayatollah Sobhani, as a theological commentator, considers the use of interpretation necessary but conditional to the observance of certain criteria and principles. He has leveled criticisms against the extremist and deviant approaches in the use of this method. Based on the findings of this study, he has critically analyzed the use of this method by the Ash'arites in interpreting the Quranic verses and concluded that their approach is contrary to reason and inspired transmission. Adopting a descriptive-analytical method, the present paper examines Ayatollah Sobhani's approach to the Ash'arite interpretive method.