A Study of the Reasons for Revelation in the Exegesis of the Qur'an by Sheikh al-Tusi

Abstract

This study examined the topic of occasions of revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul) according to Sheikh al-Tusi in his Tafsir al-Tibyan, focusing on its concept, significance, and al-Tusi’s methodology In collecting reports and weighing Interpretive opinions. The research demonstrated that Asbab al-Nuzul are not merely historical accounts, but essential tools for understanding the Quranic meaning, correcting misconceptions, and ensuring the applicability of the text to various contexts. The study highlighted al-Tusi’s approach, whichh combines narrative collection with critical analysis, emphasizing the generality of Quranic expressions. Recommendations were provided for modern Quranic studies to benefit from this method and to adopt a balanced and analytical approach to interpretation. The importance of this study stems from its aim to uncover Sheikh al-Tusi's methodology in employing the reasons for revelation (asbab al-nuzul) within his exegesis, to clarify his sources for transmitting narrations, and to assess his critical engagement with them. Furthermore, it seeks to highlight the impact of these reasons on his preference for interpretive meanings. The study also aims to identify the methodological characteristics that distinguish al-Tusi's treatment of this field compared to other exegetes. The study adopted the descriptive analytical approach, by tracing the places of the reasons for revelation in the interpretation of Al-Tibyan, and analyzing the narrations that Sheikh Al-Tusi mentioned, with occasional comparison with the sayings of some Sunni and Shiite interpreters, in order to reach a more accurate understanding of his approach to dealing with this science.