An Introduction to Reliance on the Holy Qur ān in Methodogy of Islamic Principles

Methodology of Islamic principles (‘ilm al-uṣūl) is a dignified science serving to understand religious texts; on the other hand, however, this science is indebted to Holy Qur’ān for its credibility and authority. The Qur’ānic verses play a special role in validating and authorizing this science. This role is to be viewed in terms of foundation-laying, as āyāt al-uṣūl (verses of principles) are considered as manifestation of this foundation-laying.The studies indicate that despite the importance of identifying, gathering, and analyzing this category of verses, no inclusive and comprehensive research has so far been done in this respect. Besides, deliberation in this field brings about the conclusion that utilization of verses of principles has not enjoyed an increasing trend in the course of Islamic history. While presenting a brief history of the uṣūlī scholar's utilization of the Qur’ān in their adducing and arguments, this article would display as an example the efficiency of the Qur’ānic guidance concerning the principality of exemption (iṣālat al-birā’a).