Detailed Abstract
Research Objective: The primary objective of this study is to examine and analyze verse 74 of Surah al-Anʿām, with a particular focus on the relationship between Prophet Ibrahim and Āzar. The use of the word "Ab" in reference to Āzar in this verse raises fundamental questions regarding the meaning and connotation of the term and its compatibility with theological perspectives. On one hand, if "Ab" is taken to mean "biological father," then considering that Āzar was a polytheist, this interpretation conflicts with Shiʿi theological foundations, and it encounters a problem.  On the other hand, some Sunni Qur’anic exegetes accept this relationship and argue that it poses no contradiction with the prophetic status of Hazrat Ibrahim. As a result, this issue has been a matter of considerable debate among both Sunni and Shiʿi exegetes. This study specifically concentrates on a comparative analysis of two prominent Shiʿi Qur’anic exegeses: Tafsīr al-Mīzān by ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī and Min Waḥy al-Qurʾān by ʿAllāmah Faḍlullāh. The goal is to reach a fair and well-supported judgment concerning the meaning of the term "Ab" and other associated discussions in this verse. The paper seeks to provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the topic by analyzing and evaluating various exegetical perspectives.
Research Methodology: This study employs a comparative method to examine and contrast the two aforementioned Qur’anic exegeses: al-Mīzān and Min Waḥy al-Qurʾān. Although both works are authored by Shiʿi scholars, they present differing views in their interpretations of verse 74 of Surah al-Anʿām. By conducting a detailed comparative analysis, the author aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each Qur’anic exegesis and ultimately arrive at a well-reasoned and holistic conclusion regarding the actual meaning of the word "Ab" and the surrounding discussions. Additionally, the study traces the historical development of exegetical opinions on this matter to provide a broader and deeper perspective.
Findings: The findings reveal that ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī, in his interpretation of verse 74, not only seeks to affirm the Shiʿi theological view regarding the relationship between Prophet Ibrahim and Āzar but also critically engages with opposing views and evaluates them. He utilizes exegetical and theological tools to conduct an in-depth analysis of the term "Ab", correlating it with other Qur’anic verses and reliable narrations to strengthen his arguments with scholarly and interpretive precision. Conversely, ʿAllāmah Faḍlullāh attempts to critique Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s view and presents an alternative interpretation of the verse. He approaches the issue from a fresh perspective and employs distinct analytical methods. Nevertheless, this study contends that Faḍlullāh’s critiques of Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s view are not particularly robust, and some of them face logical and interpretive challenges.
Conclusion: The conclusion of this study indicates that both Tafsīr al-Mīzān and Min Waḥy al-Qurʾān endeavor to provide reasoned and comprehensive interpretations of verse 74 of Surah al-Anʿām. Despite the differences in the perspectives of these two prominent Shiʿi Qur’anic exegetes, each has striven to carefully examine various dimensions of the issue and reach conclusions based on their theological and scholarly frameworks. These differing interpretations reflect the complexity and multifaceted nature of the issue and underscore the need for precision and attentiveness in Qur’anic interpretation—especially in matters such as the familial relationships of Prophets. Moreover, it appears that historical and contextual factors have influenced the formation of the exegetical perspectives. In particular, ʿAllāmah Faḍlullāh’s critique of Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s view may have been shaped by specific intellectual movements within the Islamic world. These contextual influences may have played a significant role in the divergence of their interpretive approaches.