An Exploration of the Allegorical Dimensions of the Prophets’ Miracles (p.b.u.t.) and its Consequence in Tafsir al-Manār

In Tafsir al-Manār, some Quranic verses have been interpreted allegorically. In Abduh's belief, natural events have been used as allegories to express transcendent truths, and every word and action attributed to someone in an unconventional way is allegorical. According to Abduh, the phenomena of the universe basically come into existence through ordinary causes, and anything indicating the occurrence of a phenomenon contrary to this system is principally false. He believes the scope of miracle is very limited and subject to the explicit text of the Quran. Therefore, if Abduh does not find the appearance of the verse compatible with his rational analysis, he interprets it esoterically or allegorically, such as the transfiguration of the offenders of the Israelites, the mass death and coming to life of thousands, the miracle of the death and resurrection of one of the prophets and the sacrifice of four birds by Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.). This article uses the library method and aims to explore the allegorical dimensions of the miracles of the prophets (p.b.u.t) and their consequences. To this end, first, the principles of al-Manār interpreters in allegorical interpretation and some of its examples are mentioned. Then the allegorical dimensions of the prophets’ (p.b.u.t) miracles in this interpretation are examined. Finally, it is concluded that allegorical interpretation of some Quranic verses by referring to their analogues is permissible, provided that it does not contradict the truthfulness of the Quranic messages and does not lead to the negation of the external reality of the incident. Although Abduh, in his allegorical interpretation, has not specifically pointed out that those miracles did not take place, this theory laid the groundwork for Rashid Reza to consider some of the stories of the Quran unreal and for Khalafallah to consider them myth.