A Critical Analysis of the Baṭn (esoteric meaning) Theory in Tafsīr al-Mīzān, with Regard to Tafsīr al-Furqān

Abstract

The commentators and traditionists have long focused on the theory that Qur’ān has multiple Buṭūn (esoteric meanings). Most of the commentators believe that the Baṭn can be revealed by the exegetical narrations. Therefore, in interpreting Qur’ān, they have referred to narrations to express these Buṭūn. In their commentaries on some of the Qur’ānic verses, the contemporary Shiite commentators have referred to the Buṭūn of the verses based on the available narrations and have mentioned different types of Buṭūn and Ta'wīls (Hermeneutic Interpretation). There were some fundamental and practical disagreements among commentators about these narrations as well. This study investigates the Baṭn theory in Tafsīr al-Mīzān with regard to Tafsīr al-Furqān.