A Comparative Study of the Conceptual Implications of the Verse of Esra in the Interpretations of Fariqain (Focusing on the Interpretation of Majma al-Bayan and Sheikh Younini's Manuscript)

Considering the position and importance of ascension in the center of Islamic thought, various readings have been made of the verses related to this issue. The skepticism of the ascension by the Orientalists and also considering it as a dream by some Muslim scholars, doubles the necessity of analyzing the interpretive opinions of foreign scholars on this issue. In this research, with a descriptive-analytical method, the interpretation opinions of the late Tabarsi, a Shia scholar, and Sheikh Younini, a Sunni scholar, were analyzed regarding the origin of the Ascension and Asra'a, the time, place and quality of the occurrence, the purpose and the miracle of the Ascension, and the issue of divine vision. The results of the research indicate that despite the differences between the Hanbali sect and the Shi'a religion, there is a lot of convergence between the views of Younini and Tabarsi regarding the Ascension and Esra. The most important thing they have in common is the belief in the occurrence of ascension in the waking state and its occurrence in a physical and spiritual form, which is compatible with the miracle of ascension. Although both of them have used rational and narrative reasons in presenting their opinions, they have differences in the type of sources used, how to deal with the issues and also the establishment of the reason. Sheikh Yunini emphasizes more on the quality of ascension, while the late Tabarsi, in addition to explaining the quality of ascension, also points to the purpose of ascension, which is seeing God's amazing proofs from the Prophet (PBUH).