The Role and Position of the Contextual Clue of "Maqām" (Situation) in Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʼī's al-Mīzān Commentary

Abstract

The importance and role of contextual clues in achieving an accurate and valid interpretation of the Holy Quran is a fundamental topic that has consistently attracted the attention of researchers in the field of Quranic sciences. Interpretive clues, as efficient tools, play a vital role in understanding the profound meaning and real intent of the verses and are divided into two general categories: "Verbal" (Maqālīyah) and "Circumstantial" (Ḥālīyah). Paying attention to these clues is an important criterion for evaluating the validity and accuracy of Quranic commentaries, because accurate and correct use of them can lead to a better understanding of the context and circumstances of the revelation of the verses. The contextual clue of "Maqām" (Situation) is one of the valuable clues that has received less direct attention in commentaries. This clue can be understood from the exigency of speech and the atmosphere governing the discourse, and it helps the commentator to find the precise meaning of the verses and link it to the temporal and spatial circumstances. Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʼī is among the commentators who, in al-Mīzān commentary, have extensively used the contextual clue of Maqām to deepen the understanding of the verses. This approach has enabled him to look at the verses from a new perspective in various fields, including literary and linguistic discussions, Quranic sciences, traditions, and specialized issues of interpretation, and sometimes to critique prevailing views. The application of the contextual clue of Maqām in al-Mīzān commentary has not only led to a new understanding of the verses, but has sometimes led to the rejection or correction of some traditional interpretations. The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method, aims to examine the frequency of use of the Maqām clue and the extent of its impact on the interpretation of Quranic verses in al-Mīzān, in order to reveal the different roles that this clue plays in various interpretive fields and, on the other hand, to reveal its importance in a more accurate and better understanding of the verses of the Quran.