
Interreligious Studies on the Qur'an and the Bible
Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Qur'an and the Bible, Vol. 1, No. 2, autumn and winter 2024
مقالات
حوزههای تخصصی:
Muqātil’s exegesis is among the oldest surviving tafsirs of Islamic scholarship and distinguished for incorporating teachings from Jewish and Christian sources according to some. This article aims to explore the scholarly environment of the 2nd century and to assess the before mentioned accusation of Muqātil’s awareness of the scriptures and teachings of the People of the Book. To achieve this, two categories of Quranic verses related to the People of the Book were examined: the first concerning their sources, history, and beliefs, and the second focusing on their religious teachings . A comparative analysis of his interpretations, particularly in contrast to Tabari’s accounts of early commentators’ views on these verses, was conducted. The findings indicate that while Muqātil had a general awareness of the People of the Book, he lacked precise and direct knowledge of them. His understanding of biblical sources was superficial, and his grasp of their history and beliefs was inaccurate. A comparative study of his interpretations of the stories of Uriah and David (PBUH), Sarah and Abraham(PBUH), and Lot(PBUH) and his daughters reveals that, although his accounts align broadly with the Bible, they do not match its details. The resemblance of Muqātil’s interpretations in explaining certain verses raises the possibility that he was merely transmitting earlier views. However, the differences in wording and details, along with his pioneering interpretations in many cases, strengthen the likelihood that, even if he did not directly use the Bible, he may have gained indirect knowledge through interactions with its followers.
A Comparative Study of Chastity and Hijab in Judaism and Islam; Emphasizing on the Babylonian Talmud and Man Lā Yaḥḍuruhū al-Faqīh of Shi'a
حوزههای تخصصی:
Maintaining the health and order of society, in order to move along the correct path of progress, is among the priorities of every school of thought. One of the ways to achieve this goal is to maintain individual and family health and order, strengthen family relationships, and establish social order. The two religions of Judaism and Islam recommend that their followers observe chastity and hijab in order to achieve this goal, so that moral health prevails in society. Maintaining chastity and hijab in these two divine religions is recommended for both men and women, and each has specific duties in this path; duties that, apart from preserving their own chastity, also help to preserve the chastity of their spouses and the society in which they live. By studying the details of these recommendations, many similarities can be found between these two divine religions. This research addresses the issue of chastity and hijab in the two religions of Judaism and Islam, and its emphasis is on the content of the jurisprudential books of the Talmud and Man Lā Yaḥḍuruhū al-Faqīh, whose contents explain revelation and are of special interest to the jurists of these two schools of thought.
A Comparative Study of the Concept of City and Urbanization in the Quran and the Bible
حوزههای تخصصی:
Today, the issue of urbanization has become a fundamental phenomenon of our time, and consequently, urban research and studies have expanded. However, it should be noted that the city and urbanization, albeit not in their current form, have a very long history. In past religions and faiths, the concept of the city and urban life has had special importance and validity, and especially in the sacred texts of religions, many verses and commandments have been mentioned in connection with this concept. There is no doubt that the approach of holy books in relation to the subject of urbanization plays a decisive role in shaping urban beliefs and thoughts among religious communities; because, these texts are considered the main and fundamental source of religions, and the thoughts and behaviors of followers are rooted in them. The present study addresses this issue and intends, while examining the views of the three great and ancient religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity according to their sacred and heavenly books, to analyze their views on urbanization. It also intends to compare the views of these three religions regarding the concept of urbanization. The results of this research show us that the concept of city and urbanization is evident in the heavenly books of all three Abrahamic religions, and many verses and commandments have been mentioned regarding it.
A Comparative Study of Paths to Tranquility in the Holy Qur'an and the Testaments
حوزههای تخصصی:
Tranquility is a fundamental human need addressed in Abrahamic religions, including the Holy Qur'an and the Testaments. This research aims to identify paths to tranquility in the Holy Qur'an and the Testaments using a descriptive-analytical method with a comparative approach. The study reveals that the Holy Qur'an presents 21 methods, the Old Testament 11, and the New Testament 8 methods as tranquility-inducing factors. Faith in God, prayer and supplication, reliance on God, procreation, and benevolence are common themes emphasized in all three sources. The Qur'an specifically emphasizes returning to one's innate nature (Fiṭrah), devotion to God and divine guardians, following divine guidance, ritual prayer, piety, remembrance of God, repentance, proper nutrition, utilizing religious symbols and art, companionship with believers, and maintaining family ties. The Testaments uniquely mention justice and fairness, religious festivals, nature, trustworthiness, wine, and music as tranquility-inducing factors. In conclusion, the approaches presented in the Holy Qur'an for achieving tranquility are more comprehensive, aligned with human nature and intellect, and offer genuine tranquility in both this world and the hereafter.
A Study of Sources of the Theology of Fourth Gospel
حوزههای تخصصی:
Among the four Gospels, the Gospel of John has a unique theology that distinguishes it from the rest of the Gospels. In this Gospel, unlike the synoptic Gospels, the divinity of Christ as the divine Logos is emphasized. Various opinions have been expressed about the source and main origin of the theology of the Gospel of John. Some consider it to be influenced by extra-religious schools such as Greek philosophy, and some consider it to be derived from reliable Hebrew sources, especially the Old Testament. This article, by reviewing different opinions and using historical and theological evidence, has determined the source of this theology as much as possible. The results obtained show that the theology of the Fourth Gospel is influenced by the foundations of Middle Platonic philosophy and Gnostic teachings. Of course, the degree of this influence is not the same, and this Gospel is most influenced by the mystical and Gnostic schools.
A Critical Analysis of Samuel Ross's View on the Influence of the Bible on Quranic Exegesis
حوزههای تخصصی:
This article provides a critical analysis of Samuel Ross's perspective presented in his book, "Quranic Exegesis and the Turn to Scripture." Ross examines the interaction of Muslim exegetes with the Bible, aiming to elucidate the reasons for its neglect in pre-modern interpretations and its increasing use in modern ones. He argues that despite the existence of old Arabic translations of the Bible, Muslim exegetes rarely referenced it until the late nineteenth century. However, after this period, influenced by factors such as British and French colonialism, the arrival of Christian missionaries, and the publication of Arabic Bible versions, exegetes in the Islamic world began to extensively utilize this text in their interpretations. This article critiques Ross's methodology and examines his historical and theoretical foundations, analyzing the challenges to his hypothesis of initial Muslim unfamiliarity with the Bible and his simplification in analyzing interpretive developments. The findings reveal that despite Ross's innovation in studying intertextual relationships, his source-critical and historical limitations hinder a complete understanding of the complexities of Muslim engagement with the Bible. This research, focusing on critiquing Ross's viewpoint and analyzing its methodological and historical limitations, aims to clarify the weaknesses and challenges of his hypotheses regarding the interaction between Quranic exegesis and the Bible.
Comparative Study of the Compilation of the Qur'an and the Canonization of the Testaments
حوزههای تخصصی:
Most sacred texts were initially oral and were gradually written down over time. After the writing of these sacred texts, it is essential to examine the time frame in which they were compiled and finalized, and whether this process has affected their credibility? Another question is how many versions exist for these texts and whether there are discrepancies among them? This study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, concludes that the Qur'an was written down simultaneously with its revelation, whereas there was a gap between the revelation, writing, and final compilation of the Testaments. The time from writing to the compilation of the Qur'an was less than two years, while the distance from the writing to the Canonization of the Testaments took more than a thousand years. The Qur'an has a continuous and widely accepted chain of transmission, while the Testaments have a broken chain. The Qur'an exists in a single version, while the Testaments have multiple versions. Given the differences among the versions, the Testaments contain apocryphal texts, while the Qur'an, due to the lack of multiple versions, does not. The compilation of the Qur'an did not undermine its credibility, but the Canonization of the Testaments could not maintain their credibility.
Comparative Study of the Origin of Human Creation in the Quran and Sacred Texts of Other Religions
حوزههای تخصصی:
The present study, through a documentary study and descriptive-interpretive method, aims to examine the perspectives of various religions based on their sacred texts regarding the origin of human creation in a comparative manner. The findings of the research indicate that the sacred text of Islam, the Quran, presents a strong and explicit account of the independent creation of the first human, stating that his origin is from clay and soil, not from another being. The views of other Abrahamic religions, namely Judaism and Christianity, based on the teachings of the Bible, align with this perspective. Some Zoroastrian texts suggest the emergence of "Gayomarth" or "Kayomarth" (the first human) from soil, but the predominant view in this tradition is that the first human originated from the Rivas plant (rhubarb, scientific name: Rheum). The sacred texts of Hinduism, in varied and somewhat ambiguous expressions, consider all creations, including humans, as manifestations of the Creator, with fire, water, and soil as the primary elements constituting the material aspect of human creation. In none of the sacred texts of the examined religions and traditions is the issue of human evolution or the emergence of humans from other beings or any alternative origin proposed.
Criminal Mediation in the Quran, Old Testament, and Talmud
حوزههای تخصصی:
Criminal mediation is a common theme among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. However, what similarities and differences exist regarding the mediator and their role, individual versus collective mediation, location, and scope? Are certain statements in their respective scriptures compatible with the belief in the inherent, active unity, and justice of God? The necessity of referring to the epistemological sources of religion, the Quran's call for common ground among religions (Ᾱli ʻImrān/64), and the value of clarification emphasized in the Quran (al-Zumar/18) underscore the importance of this topic. This research, employing a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizes comparative studies of the aforementioned religious texts. The results indicated that the only complete and independent otherworldly mediator is God. The simplicity of God's essence negates the concept of a son or multiplicity of divine beings. Certain statements in their scriptures require correction. Intercession does not negate the punishment of discrimination and injustice; rather, it specifically excludes violations of divine law and discrimination. This act is related to the divine attribute of mercy. While sharing commonalities such as divine mercy, the mediator's proximity, and the faith of those who benefit, otherworldly mediators also exhibit differences regarding the possibility or certainty of acceptance, whether the mediation is fundamental or supplementary, obstacles to intercession, the role of Sharia, and the scope of intercession in terms of the types of sins and the number of those saved.
Semantic Hermeneutics of the Food of the People of the Book According to Exegetes through the Verse 5 of Surah al-Māʼidah
حوزههای تخصصی:
This study critically examines a range of interpretative works on the Qur'anic verse, "This day, [all] good foods have been made lawful for you, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you." (al-Māʼidah/5) By employing a comparative and analytical approach, the research explores the evolution of ijtihad and hermeneutics as applied to this key verse, which lies at the intersection of legal rulings, social ethics, and interreligious relations. The investigation traces the diverse exegetical traditions, from classical Tafsir by scholars such as al-Ṭabarī, Ibn Kathīr, and al-Rāzī to contemporary interpretations, and examines how historical, cultural, and doctrinal contexts have shaped juristic reasoning. In doing so, it reveals the verse’s critical role in establishing legal pluralism and fostering interfaith dialogue, thereby contributing to social cohesion and the development of inclusive legal frameworks. The study is guided by research questions that address the focus on the People of the Book, the historical and social catalysts for legal recognition, the influence of various jurisprudential schools, and the broader socio-political implications of these interpretations on religious pluralism and citizenship. Ultimately, this research contributes to current debates on the nature of Islamic legal thought and its capacity to inform modern discussions on multicultural governance and civic coexistence.
The Impact of the Arius and Athanasius Controversy on the Doctrines of the Trinity, Incarnation, and Salvation in Christianity
حوزههای تخصصی:
The relationship between God the Father and the Son has long been a point of contention among Christians. Arius is a significant figure in this regard; he believed in the created nature of Jesus Christ and denied that his essence was the same as the Father's. In contrast, Athanasius believed in the consubstantiality of the Father and the Son. The purpose of examining the controversy between the ideas of Arius and Athanasius is to identify the consequences it left on Christianity. Therefore, the main question of this research is ‘What results did Arius's thought have and what theological effects did it leave on Christianity?’ The present study, by a descriptive and analytical method, aims to answer the main question. The most important results obtained are that Arius's ideas provoked opposition, such as the reaction of Athanasius, and created controversy, which damaged the doctrines of the Trinity, Incarnation, and Salvation. In the field of conflict between unity and trinity, it somehow led to the development of the official Christian theology, namely the Trinity.
The role of religion in the formation of Islamic civilization
حوزههای تخصصی:
The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate the effects of the existence and development of religion on Islamic civilization. It employs the analytical and descriptive method to analyze the data. The Islamic civilization starts from the seventh century A.D. as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in 571 and started his mission in 610 A.D. The paper found that religion was at the heart of every civilization and has been an integral, a constitutive element in all past civilizations. A close study of the history of the civilization of mankind in the world yields one the idea that it has been religion, which is solely responsible for moderating and organizing human behaviour. It is religion, which controls and moderates the human behaviour and instincts in the social life, and obliges its followers, with a set of laws and commandments, to submit to restraint. The only internal and external agent that prevents any exercise of barbarism and savagery is definitely religion. It seeks, by encouraging and impelling man, to remind him of his dignity, self and talents, and of his role in bringing them to bud and blossom and to perfection. It makes man enjoy a just relationship, a reasonable freedom, a safe economy, sovereign humanistic values, and on the whole, the sublime spiritual and material state. This matter is evident in crucial role of religion in setting up Islamic Civilization and its development both in religious thoughts and the manner of the Holy Prophet of Islam.