Detailed Abstract
Research objevtive: 
The present study aims to compare the social orientation of Martyr Morteza Motahhari and Sayyid Qutb in their exegesis of Surah Al-Mumtahanah, which contains significant social themes, based on the components of social interpretation. These components have been addressed in various books and articles, with some points of divergence but largely points of consensus.
This study seeks to evaluate the social orientation in the interpretations of Motahhari and Qutb regarding Surah Al-Mumtahanah by relying on the widely agreed-upon components. Given the expansion of social issues and societal transformations over the past century, the need for a social reading of the Qur’an has become increasingly apparent, leading to significant growth in social exegesis. Among the scholars contributing to this field, Ayatollah Motahhari and Sayyid Qutb are recognized as prominent social interpreters of the Qur’an.
Methodology:
This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach. First, the concept of exegesis was examined with reference to lexical sources, and the nature of social interpretation was explored through valuable works in Qur’anic and exegetical studies. Subsequently, Motahhari’s exegesis in Familiarity with the Qur’an (Ashna’i ba Qur’an), specifically his commentary on Surah Al-Mumtahanah, and Sayyid Qutb’s exegesis in In the Shade of the Qur’an (Fi Zilal al-Qur’an) were studied.
Each scholar’s commentary was analyzed according to relevant social interpretation components, and then the two interpretations were compared from the perspective of social orientation, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. Most of the components were determined based on the content of Surah Al-Mumtahanah.
Findings:
The findings of this study indicate that a social interpretation should include components appropriate to its purpose. For Surah Al-Mumtahanah, the following components can be used to evaluate the social exegesis of Martyr Motahhari and Sayyid Qutb:
1. Defining the principles of Muslims’ relations with non-Muslims
2. Employing clear and eloquent expression
3. Explaining the philosophy behind the rulings
4. Addressing doubts and questions
5. Adopting a society-building and civilizational perspective on the Qur’anic teachings
These components are derived from the content of Surah Al-Mumtahanah, although they can also be applied to other surahs with similar themes.
According to the study, Motahhari paid considerable attention—both quantitatively and qualitatively—to the component of “defining the principles of Muslims’ relations with non-Muslims.” He also extensively employed the component of “clear and eloquent expression,” which is characteristic of all his works, not only in exegesis, but in a style accessible to the general public while appealing to scholars. Additionally, he focused heavily on “explaining the philosophy behind the rulings” within verses of legislation, which significantly contributes to addressing doubts and questions among youth, as many of their doubts arise when Qur’anic rulings are explained to them. This emphasis enriches the component of “addressing doubts” within social interpretation.
Sayyid Qutb also aimed to enrich his social exegesis by addressing each of these components. Notably, he placed particular emphasis on the component of “adopting a society-building and civilizational perspective on Qur’anic teachings,” which distinguishes his social orientation from that of Motahhari.