Quran and Hadith Studies

Quran and Hadith Studies

Analyzing Ṣadr al-Muta’allihīn’s Interpretive view regarding the verses 18 of Surah Āli­ʿImrān and 53 of Surah Fuṣṣilat

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Hojjat Asadi 1
Ali Abdollahzadeh 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theosophy, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
10.22067/jquran.2025.94294.1857
Abstract
Two noble Quranic verses, “Shahidallāhu annahū lāā ilaha ilā huwa” and “Awalam yak­fi birabbika annahū ‘alā kulli shay­in shahīd,” play a significant role in explaining the most important philosophical problem of Ṣadrā’s School, namely proving the Divine essence and essential unity (Tawḥīd) through Burhān al-Ṣiddīqīn (the argument of the veracious). In fact, the arguments that Ṣadr al-Muta’allihīn advances on the basis of these two verses are a form of philosophical interpretation of them. Using a descriptive-analytical method and based on library sources, this paper seeks to analyze Mullā Ṣadrā’s interpretive view regarding Q. 3: 18 and Q. 41: 53. The findings show that his interpretive view on Q. 3: 18 has been criticized. Still, his exegesis on Q. 41: 53 is confirmed by the apparent wording of the verse. Finally, after examining and rejecting the objections raised against this view and considering the verbal, contextual, and narrative indications, it has been assessed as acceptable and defensible. 
Keywords
Holy Quran
Ṣadr al-Muta’allihīn
Self-witnessing of the Essence
Tawḥīd
Subjects
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Quran and Hadith Studies
Volume 58, Issue 1 - Serial Number 116
Spring & summer 2026
August 2026
Pages 9-31

  • Receive Date 07 July 2025
  • Revise Date 13 September 2025
  • Accept Date 20 October 2025