A Critique of the Application of Grammar and Rhetoric Rules in the Contemporary Literary (Cultural) School of Tafsir, with Emphasis on the Views of Amin Khuli and Bint al-Shati

Document Type : Original Article

Author

2 A student of the fourth level of comparative interpretation; Professor and researcher of Al-Zahra Society

Abstract

Abstract
The contemporary school of literary interpretation (Tafsir), founded by Amin Khuli and developed by his students, including bint al-Shati, has had significant impacts on recent interpretive approaches. Therefore, it is necessary to critically examine it from various perspectives. One of the research gaps regarding this interpretive school is the critique of the way grammatical and rhetorical rules are applied. This article, using an analytical method with a critical approach and based on library resources, seeks to evaluate Khuli and bint al- Shati’s approach to grammatical and rhetorical rules. The findings showed that the origin of Khuli's theory was in response to the problems of some Sunni interpretations. The priority of Qur'anic order and expression over grammatical rules, achieving the main goal of the Qur'an, and rejecting the permissibility of grammatical errors in the Qur'an are the advantages of this school in applying grammatical rules. Removing rhetoric from the control of philosophy and logic and showing the rhetorical beauties of the Qur'an while considering the message of the verses are the advantages in applying rhetorical rules. Meanwhile, there are challenges such as being deprived of interpretive possibilities and inner meanings by reducing grammatical aspects and opposing scientific interpretation, which are in conflict with the principle of multiple meanings and the comprehensive language of the Qur'an. Furthermore, selecting and confirming the correct viewpoint in interpreting some verses, in addition to the tools of grammar and rhetoric, depends on theological presuppositions and reliable hadiths, which are neglected in this school. In conclusion, in this interpretive school, regardless of the existing damages, the priority of the Qur'an in grammatical and rhetorical analysis is proven, and the necessity of this is the Qur'an's authority in both grammar and rhetoric.

Keywords

References

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Quranic Science Studies
Volume 6, Issue 1 - Serial Number 19
February 2025
Pages 35-68

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 April 2024
  • Revise Date: 14 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 14 November 2024
  • Publish Date: 02 February 2025

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