Recognizing the Features of Oratorical Interpretation and Distinguishing it from other Interpretations

Oratorical interpretation is the first known form of interpretation in the first century, which grew significantly in the fifth to tenth centuries and was welcomed by people, but after that, it entered a period of decline. However, nowadays, while changing in some features, it is reborn in the form of educational, guiding and social interpretations, but the dimensions of this method of interpretation are still unknown; whereas, paying attention to mass-oriented interpretations, such as oratorical interpretation, is favorably effective in reducing the distance between interpretation and the Muslim masses. So far, the features of oratorical interpretation have not been properly distinguished from other types of interpretation and no precise criterion has been provided for recognizing and distinguishing it, to the extent that even among some scholars, oratorical interpretation has been confused with “mystical” and “educational-guiding” types. In the present study, while focusing on six oratorical interpretations from the two major sects (of Shi’a and Sunni), the distinguishing features of this type of interpretation from other types have been identified by a descriptive-analytical method under the following eight titles: interpretation of verses with mystical subtle allusions and remarks, use of similes, allegories and stories, writing in the native language, use of simple literature in the form of short sentences, advisory and benevolent articulation, use of concepts related to preaching in the Qur’an, admonitory use of narrations, and finally use of numerical codes. Oratorical interpretations in the above features have some similarities with certain types of interpretations that are explained in this article.