Analysis of Interpretive Narratives Functions in Ayatollah Khamenei’s Interpretive Thought

Ayatollah Khamenei, a contemporary interpreter of the Holy Quran, has utilized interpretive narratives in his commentaries. Given that narratives and the transmitted works of contemporaries of the Quran's revelation constitute a significant part of the reality of Quranic interpretation, and that Quranic researchers have always paid special attention to these narratives, the present study seeks to analyze the function of interpretive narratives in the interpretive thought of Ayatollah Khamenei. In his interpretive works, in addition to employing the Quranic method of interpreting the Quran with the Quran, he has also used rational and scientific methods. In many cases, he has resorted to hadiths and interpretive narratives to arrive at the meanings of verses. While using these narratives, he has also taken a comprehensive look at all interpretive sources. The author aims to explain and examine, using the content analysis method of interpretive narratives, their various functions with a focus on case studies in understanding and interpreting Quranic verses, emphasizing Ayatollah Khamenei’s viewpoint, foundations, and interpretive method in his written interpretive books, which include commentaries on the Surahs of Al-Fatiha, Al-Baqara, Al-Bara'a, Al-Mumtahanah, Al-Hashr, At-Taghabun, and Al-Jumu'a, using library resources. The functions of interpretive narratives in the interpretive thought of Ayatollah Khamenei include: the virtues of the Quran, explaining the causes and context of revelation, clarifying words and semantic layers, explaining key terms, narratives explaining and correcting beliefs, using similes, narratives related to events and applications, explaining legal rulings, differences in readings, and explaining wisdom. Although these are not exhaustive and with further research, other cases can be found.