Study of al-Ālūsī’s Viewpoint on Āyat al-Mubāhila in View of Shī‘a Interpreters

Document Type : Research Article

Author

• Muḥsin Qāsimpūr

10.22067/naqhs.v42i1.11810

Abstract

Āyat al-Mubāhila (the verse on mutual cursing – Q. 3: 61) is among the most prominent verses of the Qur’ān, which reveals the status and excellence of the Apostle of Allah (S.A.W.)’s Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.). Relying on Divine Revelation, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) has viewed ‘Alī (A.S.) as his own soul, which obviously suggests the rightfulness of the sainthood (wilāya) and Imamate of the household of the Prophet (S.A.W.), especially that of Imam ‘Alī (A.S.). Despite this clear fact, al-Ālūsī, a Sunnī interpreter, has disputed as to the correspondence of anfusanā (our souls) to ‘Alī (A.S.). This interpreter’s approach to this verse is related to his theoretical mindset. On the other hand, this interpreter’s opinion stems from the viewpoint of such people as Ibn Taymiya and Imām al-Fakhr al-Rāzī; his confrontation with this verse is another exposition of the viewpoint of Salafī interpreters.
Relying on theological principles, intellectual arguments, the traditions, and the Revelation occasion of this verse, Shī‘a interpreters believe that there is not the slightest doubt about the correspondence of anfusanā to Imam ‘Alī (A.S.). Categorizing al-Ālūsī’s confrontation with the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.)’s traditions, the present article examines the position of this interpreter concerning Āyat al-Mubāhila.
Keywords: mutual cursing, Ahl al-Bayt, al-Ālūsī, Shī‘a interpreters, interpretation.

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