Review Article: The Qur'an in Islam by Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i

Abstract

This article reviews the book The Quran in Islam by Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i, presenting it as a concise intellectual introduction to the nature of the Holy Qur’an and the methodology of understanding it according to Tabataba’i. The author seeks to offer a comprehensive vision that goes beyond the traditional treatment of Qur’anic sciences, moving toward a philosophical and foundational analysis of the status and function of the Qur’anic text.

The book emphasizes that the Qur’an is a preserved divine text, distinguished by its miraculous nature and the multiplicity of its levels of meaning. It is not confined to the apparent meaning but encompasses deeper, inner dimensions, reflecting the author’s philosophical orientation in interpreting the Qur’anic text. He adopts the method of “interpreting the Qur’an by the Qur’an,” considering it the most reliable path to understanding the Qur’anic discourse, away from partial interpretations or external impositions.

The work also highlights the role of Ahl al-Bayt and the Imams in uncovering the true meanings of the Qur’an, which gives the book a clear sectarian dimension that distinguishes it from many studies in Qur’anic sciences. At the same time, the author rejects the tendency to treat the Qur’an as a purely experimental scientific text, emphasizing that its primary function is guidance, even though it does not lack cosmological indications.

From an evaluative perspective, the book is marked by the depth of its argument and its focus on the holistic dimension of the Qur’anic text, along with its ability to combine rational analysis with interpretive insight. However, its dense philosophical style may limit its accessibility for general readers, and its emphasis on esoteric meanings and the role of Ahl al-Bayt may provoke debate within a comparative critical context. Nevertheless, it represents an important contribution to contemporary Qur’anic studies, particularly within the framework of the Shi‘i school of thought.