Independence of the Quran in Communication of its Messages and the Role of Traditions in Exegesis from the Viewpoint of Allama Tabatabai

One of the most essential issues in Quranic studies is study of the extent of contribution of exegetical traditions in the process of understanding Quranic verses. A good number of scholars hold that Allama Tabatabai- taking the exegetical method of interpreting the Quran by the Quran- believed in the Quran as a text independent and self sufficient in its interpretation, hence no need to traditions in this field. In addition to its inconsistency with the practical approach of Allama in Al- Mizan, this statement is rejected by a large number of his outstanding students. Regardless of all justifications concerning Allama’s view, presenting quotations of Allama on the role and position of traditions in interpreting the verses, the author has come to the conclusion that Allama’s statements in this regard are in two different contexts: The first context is that of the independence of the Quran in its literal or verbal meaning rejecting Akhbariyya’s claim on dependency of the Quran on other sources for its signification and interpretation, hence rejecting the authority of its literal meanings and its external aspects. It is quite clear that this statement is far apart from independence of the Quran from the Sunnah. The second context is that of the independence of the Quran in stating its intents and extensions. Thus his purpose is not denying the need to the explanation of the infallible, but confirming the fact that whatever the infallible says in the process of interpretation of the verses is the same as that stated in the Quran though we may not have the capacity of understanding it before the explanation or clarification of the infallible.