Comparative Studies of Quran

Comparative Studies of Quran

Analysis of Inherent Monotheism in the term "Al-Ṣamad"of Surah Tawhīd from the Perspective of the Qur’anic exegetes of the Two Schools of Thought

Document Type : Original

Authors
Baqir Riahi Mehr 1
Mohammad Reza Hakikat Semnani 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Qur'an and Orientalists, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran
2 PhD candidate, Department of Comparative Qur’anic exegesis, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.
10.22034/csq.2023.190842
Abstract
Tawhīd is the most fundamental belief and basis for the teachings of Islam. From the categories of Tawhīd, inherent monotheism is the basis and foundation of all branches of Tawhīd. Surah Tawhīd [Qur’an 112] as a credential of God's attributes is the most important manifestation of God's inherent monotheism in the Holy Qur’an. The term "Al-Ṣamad"whose meaning has become a source of conflict between Shia and Sunni Qur’anic exegetes, is one of the most important terms in the Qur'an that indicates inherent monotheism. Based on this, this research using the method of qualitative analysis examines the opinions of Shia and Sunni Qur’anic exegetes and the narratives of the two schools of thought about the term "Ṣamad"and the similarities and differences between these two groups regarding the inference of inherent monotheism from the term "Ṣamad". 
The most important findings of the research are that, from both the Shia and Sunni perspectives, the term "Ṣamad"has been interpreted in two main meanings: Someone whom everyone turns to in their needs and emptiness. However, the Shia explanation has a much higher depth, which indicates the simplicity of the divine essence and its unlimited nature.
Keywords
Comparative Exegesis
Ṣamad
Surah Tawhīd
inherent monotheism
Qur’anic exegetes of the two schools of thought

Subjects

The Holy Quran
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Comparative Studies of Quran
Volume 8, Issue 2 - Serial Number 16
January 2024
Pages 162-187

  • Receive Date 08 November 2023
  • Revise Date 22 February 2024
  • Accept Date 19 January 2024
  • Publish Date 22 December 2023