Explaining the Course of Development of Shiite and Sunni Exegetes’ Views Regarding the Verse “Allah bears witness…”

Abstract

The exegesis of the verses of the Quran throughout history has suffered changes and evolution. One of these verses is verse 18 of Aale Imran well-known as “Shahidallah” (Allah bears witness…). The testimony of God, the angels, and the Resolute (ʾulul ʿaẓm) Messengers to the Oneness of God has been expressed in this verse. Regarding what form truly the testimony of God takes and the views of Shiite and Sunni exegetes about that are questions that need to be researched.This paper examines and analyzes the exegetic views by utilizing library resources, Islamic science databases, and software through a content analysis method. The results show that the development of views regarding the testimony starts from the verbal, continues with action, and ends with essence. Similarly, an analysis of the results shows that because all three types of views are linear, thus, all three kinds of testimony, that is, verbal, action, and concrete can be correct in this verse. The following are among the factors that affect the emergence of exegetic views: exegetic inclinations and tendencies, the dominant discourse of every age, the prevalence of conflict among Shiite and Sunni exegetes, the Mongol and Ilkhanid attacks, the critiques of the orientalists, the Islamic Awakening Movement, and the fusion of philosophical and mystical discussions. Similarly, among the effects and functions of this verse, we can point out the citation, theological, social and educative, and teaching and guidance functions.

Keywords

• keywords: quran
• exegetic views
• shahidallah (allah bears witness…)
• historical course
• cause
• function.