Comparative Studies of Quran

Comparative Studies of Quran

Comparative Narrative Exegesis of Sūrat al-ʿAṣr [Qur’an 103] from the Perspective of Sunni and Shiʿi Qur’anic Exegetes

Document Type : Original

Author
Fatemeh Pourmuhammadi
Level 4 Seminary Student in Comparative Exegesis, Rafīʿah al-Mustafa Seminary, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/csq.2025.482659.1477
Abstract
Detailed Abstract
Research Objective: This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the exegetical narrations from both Sunni and Shiʿi traditions concerning Sūrat al-ʿAṣr [Qur’an 103]. As one of the shortest chapters in the Qur’an, this surah conveys profound and significant themes related to the necessity of faith, righteous action, exhortation to truth, and perseverance. The primary objective is to identify the points of convergence and divergence between the two schools of thought in interpreting this Surah—particularly with respect to the context of revelation (shaʾn al-nuzūl), variant readings, and the interpretation of key terms and concepts. Additionally, this study seeks to present the more substantiated exegetical perspective based on rigorous analysis of relevant narrations, thereby clarifying the role of transmitted reports in understanding the divine intent behind the verses of the Surah.
Research Methodology: This research employs a descriptive-comparative approach, incorporating data collection from narrative sources, and analysis of both the chains of transmission (isnād) and content (matn) of the narrations. It assesses available contextual evidence to determine their reliability. The study compares various narrative-based Qur’anic exegeses on Sūrat al-ʿAṣr from authoritative Shiʿi and Sunni sources. Narrations attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), the Companions, and the Followers (Tābiʿūn) are examined with regard to their authenticity and interpretive implications. Both classical and contemporary sources are used to identify and analyze the key similarities and differences in the interpretive approaches of the two traditions.
Findings: The findings show that while both Shiʿi and Sunni exegetes agree on the importance of faith, righteous deeds, enjoining the truth, and perseverance in the interpretation of this Surah, there are significant differences in their identification of the referents and meanings of these concepts. Shiʿi Qur’anic exegeses often associate Sūrat al-ʿAṣr with the time of the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdī (may Allah hasten his reappearance) and emphasize the divine guardianship of Imam ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (peace be upon him). In contrast, Sunni Qur’anic exegeses typically regard the Surah as a general admonition to believers, with figures such as Abū Jahl and Abū Lahab being cited as examples of those in loss. Regarding the term ʿAṣr, Shiʿi exegeses interpret it as a reference to the era of the Mahdī’s reappearance or a special period in Islamic history. Sunni exegeses, however, interpret it as time in general, the passage of ages, or specifically the time of the afternoon prayer. In interpreting the verse “Indeed, man is in loss”, Shiʿi Qur’anic exegetes attribute this “loss” primarily to the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt, while Sunni Qur’anic exegetes interpret it more generally, applying it to all humanity except those who believe and do righteous deeds.
Conclusion: This research concludes that although there are areas of agreement between Sunni and Shiʿi Qur’anic exegeses of Sūrat al-ʿAṣr [Qur’an 103], substantial differences exist, rooted in the theological and jurisprudential orientations of the two traditions. These differences are evident not only in lexical and conceptual interpretation but also in identifying the practical referents of the terms. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that a deeper understanding of the Qur’anic message necessitates engagement with a range of narrations and interpretive perspectives, which collectively contribute to a more comprehensive apprehension of the divine intent.
Keywords
Narration
Sunni and Shiʿa
Shiʿa
Sunni
ʿAṣr
Patience
Loss

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 09 October 2024
  • Revise Date 14 January 2025
  • Accept Date 05 February 2025
  • Publish Date 15 March 2025