An Analysis of Sunni and Shiʿi Exegetical Views on the Term Kalematan Baghyatan in Surah al-Zukhruf (43:28)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Mohsen Faryadres ¹
• Maryam Nazarbeygi ¹
• Shahnaz Heydarinia ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Qur’an and Hadith Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Boroujerd, Iran

² MA Student, Department of Qur’an and Hadith Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Boroujerd, Iran

10.22067/jquran.2025.92227.1804

Abstract

Among the points of interpretive disagreement between Sunni and Shiʿi exegetes is the meaning of the term kalematan baghyatan in the verse “And He made it a lasting word among his descendants, so that they may return” (Qur’an 43:28). Adopting a descriptive-analytical method, this paper seeks to identify, categorize, and critically examine the exegetical opinions of these commentators with the aim of elucidating the meaning of the term kalematan baghyatan. Three prominent views are identified: kalematan baghyatan refers to (1) Islam, (2) monotheism (tawḥīd), or (3) Imamate. Based on textual, narrational, and linguistic evidence, the interpretations of kalematan baghyatan as Islam or monotheism are found to be inconclusive. In contrast, the interpretation of kalematan baghyatan as Imamate—once supported by refined relevant arguments—is deemed the most compelling. Both the verse’s context and related narrations explicitly support this understanding.

Keywords

• Qur’an
• Sunni and Shiʿi commentators
• Qur’an 43:28
• kalematan baghyatan
• Imamate

Main Subjects

• Qurʾanic Exegesis and its methods

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