فصلنامه سراج منیر
پیاپی 12 (پاییز 1392)

Denominations of Islam are in complete disagreement with each other when it comes to Imamate; a subject that has been studied by the prominent Islamic interpreters throughout the history. Shia and Sunni are the largest denominations of Islam and in choosing Imam, the former considers the text of the Holy Qur’an as the source of reference and the later believes in Bay’ah (oath of allegiance) and consensus. Moreover, different branches of Shia Islam have contradictory views on the subject of Imamate. Some has an indirect reference to the subject of Imamate; i.e. no specific person is selected as Imam and only the characteristics of such a person are clarified, while others have asserted that Imams are not impeccable. However, Twelver Shia believes that Imamate is proven by the principle of Lutf (grace). In addition, they verify the impeccability of Imam by reasoning and interpretations of Imams sayings. The researcher has studied the most significant arguments of Twelver Shia and then has proved the impeccability of Imam by Quranic verses and narrations (Imams’ sayings). The current paper has tried to study the concept from a new perspective and it was based on the book, Al-Hujjat Usūl al-Kāfī that has been neglected in the former studies.

Denominations of Islam are in complete disagreement with each other when it comes to Imamate; a subject that has been studied by the prominent Islamic interpreters throughout the history. Shia and Sunni are the largest denominations of Islam and in choosing Imam, the former considers the text of the Holy Qur’an as the source of reference and the later believes in Bay’ah (oath of allegiance) and consensus. Moreover, different branches of Shia Islam have contradictory views on the subject of Imamate. Some has an indirect reference to the subject of Imamate; i.e. no specific person is selected as Imam and only the characteristics of such a person are clarified, while others have asserted that Imams are not impeccable. However, Twelver Shia believes that Imamate is proven by the principle of Lutf (grace). In addition, they verify the impeccability of Imam by reasoning and interpretations of Imams sayings. The researcher has studied the most significant arguments of Twelver Shia and then has proved the impeccability of Imam by Quranic verses and narrations (Imams’ sayings). The current paper has tried to study the concept from a new perspective and it was based on the book, Al-Hujjat Usūl al-Kāfī that has been neglected in the former studies.

One of the long-term aims of the Holy Qur’an is to establish a utopian society. Although the term “utopia” is not stated in the Qur’an, it could be traced in the prophets’ instructions as well as in the Quranic verses and narrations (Imams’ sayings) on the quality of life. According to the Holy Qur’an, reaching utopia is not only possible but also the very aim of the prophets’ appointments. The current study has asked about the characteristics of a utopian society. The Qur’an and Itrat (Immediate Family of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)) are mementoes of Prophet Muhammad, without which we will not be able to interpret Quranic verses. Moreover, impeccable Imams, the true inherits of the Prophet, have mentioned Quranic Utopian Society in discussions of both theoretical and practical wisdom. The researcher has tried to identify the characteristics of a utopian society in the Qur’an. The focus of the current paper was different, since previous studies have been based on the discussions about freedom, human rights and the importance of science, but here the focus was on one particular subject, namely the Quranic perspective of utopian society. Upon analysis, it became apparent that rationalism, justice establishment, sovereignty of Imam, philanthropy, knowledge expansion and economic growth are the most significant characteristics of a utopian society, based on instructions of the Qur’an and Itrat.

“Baghī” has been defined as “fighting or transgression”; based on the Verse 9 of Surah al-Hujurāt. Although this verse is considered with fighting and war, it could be said that “Bogā” refers to political crime, since unrightful war is regarded as a political crime. Narrations (Imams’ sayings) has also confirmed this definition. Islam emphasizes on peace, even if Muslims have to initiate a war against oppressors, since justice is the most valuable of all. When the issue is not settled peacefully, war for justice is indispensable. War with other nations might have some benefits for the nation, like strengthening the national will, Gaining awareness of weak points and highlighting national responsibility in the society. However, civil war would only lead to destruction and fatality. According to this Noble verse, bringing on peace and ending the war is the greatest responsibility of all the Muslims and it is a national duty to not sit back and to engage fully.

Human beings, as they are moving toward Allah, are in a constant fight with the Inciting Nafs, which incites to evil. The current study was designed in a descriptive-analytic manner and it was aimed to identify Quranic Instructions on how to fight the Inciting Nafs, which has been done by studying Holy verses and employing semiology. According to Holy Qur’an, there exist three sets of skills to fight the Inciting Nafs, namely cognitive skills (raising awareness towards Akhirah (the Hereafter) and the outcomes of following the Inciting Nafs and also realizing the presence of Allah in every second of our lives), behavioral skills (being responsive to instructions, demonstrating purposeful obedience and delimiting what we see) and spiritual skills (faith, connectedness, piety and forbearance). It was concluded that to fight the Inciting Nafs, human beings have to follow Quranic Instructions and in this way, they will reach the ultimate happiness, desired in their fitrah. Otherwise, they will be as vile as the animals, since they have followed the evils of the Inciting Nafs.

Tafsir al-Mizan, written by Allamah Sayyed Muhammad Hussein Tabataba’i, has three significant properties, distinguishing it from other Shia and Sunni tafsirs (Quranic Interpretations), being its absoluteness, comprehensiveness and innovativeness. The current study has studied the comprehensiveness of Tafsir al-Mizan from two perspectives: its content and its resources. The researcher has approached the subject from a new perspective and has tried to study the Quranic Innovativeness of the book. Therefore, the paper has focused on the different instances of these properties in detail.

Understanding the human nature has been the focus of different religions and schools of thought. The inhered “dignity” of human beings, is defined as highness and honor. The current paper was designed in a descriptive-analytic manner and it has tried to identify the properties of dignity in the sayings and conducts of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Reza*** (A.S., Peace Be Upon Him) by studying his sirah (lifestyle). The study has found the importance of dignity in his lifestyle. Moreover, the study is indicative of the difference between oracular and non-oracular perspective on the concept of dignity. It was concluded that the most significant properties of dignity in Imam Reza’s (A.S.) sirah include, its origin in monotheistic ideas, its congruence with other moral instructions and its moderation and inclusiveness.