In the Name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Merciful
Zurich Community, Switzerland
Outline: This series proposes to discuss the sciences of the Qur’an known as ‘Uloom al-Qur’an, which addresses the various frameworks the Book works within. Principally these are topics that include its revelation, collection and arrangement while the series itself will focus on advanced topics of methodology, commentary, style and expression.
The first aim of the series is to illustrate the depths of the Qur’an, being that its purpose is to encompass and express the eternal knowledge of the entire Universe. The second is to ensure the audience is appreciative of the Qur’ans inner and hidden characteristics, with the intention of encouraging an incisive approach to its reading. The third is to offer practical techniques the audience can advance with, toward creating a personal relationship with the book.
As the audience will consist of various levels of Qur’anic experience, the sequence of the series is based upon a gradual development of the sciences. It is also expected to be a unique series addressing issues rarely discussed from the pulpit. The series will be a culmination of works from a number of Qur’anic masters; these include and are not limited to:
• Majma’ al-Bayaan (Tabari)
• Min Huda al-Qur’an (Ay. Syed Modarresi)
• Min Wahi al-Qur’an (Ay. Syed Fadhlullah)
• Tafseer al-Kashif (Ay. Jawad Mughniyah)
• Tafseer al-Mizan (All. Syed Tabataba’i)
• At-Tamheed fee ‘Uloom (Ay. Hadi Ma’rifat)
• Usool at-Tafseer wa Ta’weel (Ay. Syed Kamal Hayderi)
• Uloom al-Qur’an (Ay. Syed Baqir Hakim)
• Tadabbur fil Qur’an (Ay. Syed Ridha Shirazi)
• Al-Bayaan fee Tafseer al-Qur’an (Ay. Syed al-Khoei)
• Payam e Qur’an (Ay. Makarem Shirazi)
• Tafseer al-Furqan (Ay. Sadiq Tehrani)
It is hoped that with the blessings of the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a), the audience will become accustomed to the esoteric aspects of the Holy Qur’an that may not have considered, reinvigorate their love for the blessed book and adopt new manners of approach toward it.
Reliant upon Allah
Jaffer Ladak
October 2011
Milton Keynes
1
Qur’an: for the one who has life
Introduction to the Series
The purpose of the Qur’an; removing impediments toward and encouraging regular recitation
“It is nothing but a reminder and a plain Qur’an; that it may warn he who has life” (36:69-70)
2
The greatest claim ever made
Challenging the Qur’ans claim of including ‘everything’ within it; introducing the term ‘Ummul Kitab’; understanding the infinite through the finite; the Ahlul Bayts technique of reconciling all issues through it
“And We have not neglected anything from the Book! (6:39)
3
A system within a system
Introducing the assortment of decisive and allegorical verses; addressing why Qur’an is composed in this nature; when do these verses become relative?
“He it is who has revealed the book to you; some of its verses are decisive – they are the basis of the book and others are allegorical” (3:7)
4
The very best of stories
The aim of Qur’anic stories; why the confinement to naming only 25 Prophets; the practise of gaining lessons from Qur’anic stories; how to approach a story from differing angles
“We reveal to you the very best of stories, by Our revealing to you this Qur’an” (12:3)
5
Deciphering the code part 1
The prerequisites to performing Qur’anic commentary; introducing the various methods and styles; demonstrating Tabatabai’s method of ‘the Qur’an explaining the Qur’an’
“We reveal to you the truth and the best commentary” (25:33)
6
Deciphering the code part 2
Explaining the purpose of repetitive and similar verses, focus on the ‘thematic’ exegesis of Qur’an and its development
“We reveal to you the truth and the best commentary” (25:33)
7
From the apparent to the hidden part 1
Introducing the terms apparent (dhahir), hidden (batin) and absolute interpretation (ta’weel); focus on how to migrate from the apparent meaning of a verse to its hidden; what is Qur’anic hermeneutics?
“But none knows its interpretation except Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge ” (3:7)
8
From the apparent to the hidden part 2
Focus on ta’weel; its ultimate importance to every verse; the process of ta’weel from the ‘knowledge’ of Allah to mans mind; who are ‘those firmly rooted in knowledge’?
“But none knows its interpretation except Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge ” (3:7)
9
From the apparent to the hidden part 3
Examples of ta’weel performed by the Prophets and Ahlul Bayt; how the ta’weel can directly contradict the apparent meaning of a verse and still be correct
“But none knows its interpretation except Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge ” (3:7)
10
From the apparent to the hidden part 4
The great debate on whether a non-infallible can know the ‘absolute interpretation’ of the Qur’an; the Qur’an and the philosophy of Ghaybah
“But none knows its interpretation except Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge ” (3:7)
11
But I don’t speak Arabic!
The reason for Qur’an being in Arabic; examples of its linguistic depth; tools for non Arab speakers to maximise of the Arabic Qur’an
“Indeed we have made it an Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand by it” (43:3)
12
How do I do that?
The difference between pondering and reflection, the principles, practical tools and results of reflecting upon Qur’an
“Do they not reflect upon Qur’an or are their hearts locked?” (47:24)
13
Back to the Future
Conclusion to the Series
How will the Qur’an be used in the coming century; what are our responsibilities toward the Qur’an?; the demand of constant progression
“We found our fathers doing so” (26:74)