English Volume 1

Select the verses covered under this volume from the list below:
 

Features of Volume 1:

'Allamah Tabataba'I has written a preface to the book in this volume in which he has discussed the science of exegesis and its reference to the historical developments since the era of revelation of the Qur'an to this day. He has also given us an account of various exegeses of the Qur'an written by different Muslim scholars and the causes of difference among them. In the end he has referred to the style of his own exegesis, which he considers to be based on a new approach, that is, interpreting the Qur'an by the Qur'an itself. Then he gives a snapshot view of the various aspects of his method and approach employed in the exegesis, and concludes the preface.

The volume then begins with the exposition of Surah Fateha and ends with the commentary on verses 89-93 of Surah Al-Baqarah. In this volume, he has expounded some of the profoundest themes of the Qur'an in the light of these verses in a comprehensive manner.

In the beginning there are two philosophical discussions about the supersensible perception and the necessity of sciences. Then are discussed the causes of kufr (infidelity), the nature of miracles, and the miraculous qualities of the Qur'an. In this context various aspects of the Qur'an have been discussed in a detailed and logical way.

After this some other important issues are taken up, such as the meaning of prophetic mission, metaphorical meaning of the concretization of certain deeds, determinism (jabr) and delegated freedom (tafwid), amr bayna al-'amrayn -(the intermediate stage between two extreme positions), the meanings of the acts of making (ja'l) and creation (khalq), instruction of the Names to Adam (A), and the creation of heaven for him.

The most important of the discussion of this book is the one about the problem of intercession (shafa'ah). It can be said with certainty about this discussion that such a logical and detailed analysis of the issue was never attempted in any of the Islamic books on this subject. 'Allamah Tabataba'I has divided the issue of intercession into six subtitles and has made it a subject of extensive study. In the end of this discussion, he has dealt with the psychological, philosophical and sociological aspects of intercession.