An analysis of Classification of Revelation Types Made by al-Zamakhsharī and al-Bayḍāwī in Terms of the Sciences of the Qurʾān Cover Image

Vahiy Çeşitlerine Dair Zemahşerî ve Beyzâvî’nin Yaptığı Tasniflerin Ulûmü’l-Kur’ân Açısından Analizi
An analysis of Classification of Revelation Types Made by al-Zamakhsharī and al-Bayḍāwī in Terms of the Sciences of the Qurʾān

Author(s): Muhammed İsa Yüksek
Subject(s): Theology and Religion, Islam studies
Published by: Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi İlahyat Fakültesi
Keywords: The Interpretation; the Sciences of the Qurʾān; Revelation; 51st verse of Sūrat al-Shūrā; al-Zamakhsharī; al-Bayḍāwī;

Summary/Abstract: The Sciences of the Qurʾān contain information about the process of Qurʾān and its structural characteristics, language and stylistic features, as well as statistical data on the con-tent of the Qurʾān. This information, which contributes significantly to the understanding of the Qurʾān, is generally classified within the relevant narratives and the classifications are sometimes associated with verses. In this context, the way in which the Sciences of the Qurʾān explain the verses, which do not act solely on methodical premises, differs from the Qurʾānic exegesis books. In the Sciences of the Qurʾān, the subject of revelation forms are classified within the frame of the narrations, and the 51st verse of the Sūrat al-Shūrā is frequently re-ferred to. In other words, the related classifications are matched with the 51st verse of the Sūrat al-Shūrā. In the exegesis, this verse is handled more comprehensively considering its context and the literal possibilities. There are two remarkable comments about this verse in terms of its reflection in the revelation classifications. However, on the contrary, it is possible to encounter examples where the verse is subject to specific discussions. One of them belongs to Jār Allāh al-Zamakhsharī (d.538/1144) and the other to Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Bayḍāwī (d. 685/1286). When the exegesis of al-Zamakhsharī and al-Bayḍāwī are examined, it is seen that this verse is the subject of ru’yat Allah (seeing Allah) discussion between Muʿtazila and Ahl al-Sunnah and the classifications are made in this context. However, it is interesting to note that the classification of al-Zamakhsharī is more suitable for the perspective of the Sciences of the Qurʾān. In this study, the codes of the determinations made by al-Zamakhsharī and al-Bayḍāwī related to the 51st verse of Sūrat al-Shūrā was read on the commentaries. While al-Zamakhsharī explains this verse as a proof for the argument that God cannot be seen, al-Bayḍāwī develops an example of reactionary interpretation upon Zamakhsharī’s view. The Sciences of the Qurʾān (as a discipline), which opens a separate title to the ways of revelation, uses this verse as a template and takes it away from the discussion. In the study, the subjective dimensions of the discussion and classifications made in the context of this verse were eval-uated. As a result, it is concluded that a classification similar to classification of al-Za-makhsharī has been made in the literature of the Sciences of the Qurʾān as it provides more comprehensive framework.

  • Issue Year: 24/2020
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 437-453
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Turkish