Typology of Interpretive Approaches to the Verse of Throwing (Āyat al-Ramy) – “You did not throw when you threw” (8:17) – from the Perspective of Sunni and Shiʿi Commentators

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Mina Shamkhi ¹
• Saeed Rahimiyan ²
• Ali reza Khonsha ³

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Qur’an and Hadith Studies, Faculty of Theology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

² Professor, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Theology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

³ PhD Graduate, Department of Qur’an and Hadith Studies, Faculty of Theology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22067/jquran.2025.90929.1775

Abstract

Monographic examinations of the ambiguous and equivocal verses of the Qur'an, along with typological reconsiderations of the interpretive approaches related to them, constitute one of the essential and significant areas of Qur'anic exegesis, the outcome of which plays an undeniable role in clarifying the concepts and meanings of the verses. This study examines Qur’an 8:17 (“You did not throw when you threw”), also known as the Verse of Throwing (āyat al-ramy), and categorizes major interpretive perspectives into six typologies: (1) total negation of causality and agency from the creation, (2) attribution of autonomous agency to the Prophet, (3) emphasis on divine aid in securing Muslim victory, (4) support for ontological monotheism, (5) reconciliation of unity and multiplicity, and (6) philosophical interpretation. In the author's opinion, the first view is rejected as implausible, and the rest offer valid insights, among which the interpretation highlighting divine assistance during the Battle of Badr is the most consistent with the textual evidence and exegetical context.

Keywords

• Qur’an
• verse of throwing
• typology
• interpretive perspectives
• Sunni and Shiʿi exegesis

Main Subjects

• Qurʾanic and Hadith Learnings (Maʾārif)

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