Thematic interpretation methodology of Sheikh Makarem Shirazi in "Nafahat al-Qur'an

Abstract

Nasser Makarem Shirazi is considered one of the most prominent exegetes of the contemporary Shia school. His project, "Nafahat al-Qur'an" (The Fragrances of the Qur'an), presents a ten-volume thematic exegesis course, co-authored by several researchers. Thematic exegesis is based on collecting verses related to a specific topic and analyzing them to derive a comprehensive Qur'anic perspective. This approach has garnered significant attention in modern Qur'anic studies due to its ability to reveal the systematic structure of Qur'anic discourse. Contemporary academic studies necessitate an objective evaluation of exegetical methodologies and an examination of the methodological foundations upon which Makarem Shirazi's thematic exegesis in "Nafahat al-Qur'an" rests. This research aims to shed light on this influential exegetical project and offer a critical analysis of its methodology, contributing to the development of Qur'anic studies and enriching the field of exegesis. It also provides a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of this exegesis, serving as a guide for researchers wishing to emulate or surpass this approach. To achieve this, the research analyzes and critically evaluates Makarem Shirazi's approach to thematic exegesis, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology. The research yielded significant findings, most notably that Shirazi follows a comprehensive methodology that begins with defining the topic and compiling the verses, then explaining the vocabulary and interpreting the verses in light of one another, ultimately leading to the construction of a unified Qur'anic vision. His exegesis is distinguished by its diverse tools, including Qur'anic interpretation using the Qur'an and Sunnah, linguistic and intellectual analysis, and the utilization of the reasons for revelation, all while maintaining brevity and clarity. However, the study reveals methodological shortcomings, primarily a lack of strict adherence to the stages of thematic exegesis, deviation from the correct thematic approach, and the absence of a comprehensive Qur'anic theory, in addition to problems in the classification and scope of the topics. The study concludes that "Nafahat al-Qur'an" (The Breezes of the Qur'an)—despite its methodological deficiencies—is one of the most important contemporary thematic exegeses and a model worthy of further study and reflection.