Tafsir al-Mizan, Volume 34
Volume thirty-four offers an intricate commentary on three Meccan chapters of the Qur’an: Sūrah al-Zumar (Chapter 39), Sūrah Ghāfir (Chapter 40), and Sūrah Fuṣṣilat (Chapter 41). These chapters explore themes of monotheism, divine justice, and the inevitability of resurrection, addressing the Prophet Muḥammad’s call to faith and the resistance he faced from his people.
The commentary on Sūrah al-Zumar emphasizes the exclusivity of worship and faith in God. ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabaʿī explores the chapter’s arguments for monotheism, contrasting the fate of believers and disbelievers. A significant portion of the commentary reflects on the vivid depiction of the Day of Judgment, where the faithful and the faithless are driven in throngs to their respective destinies. The chapter critiques idolatry and calls for sincere devotion to God, underscoring the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
In Sūrah Ghāfir, also known as Sūrah al-Mu’min, ʿAllāmah examines the story of the “believer from Pharaoh’s clan,” a man who defended Prophet Moses against Pharaoh’s tyranny. This narrative serves as a call to courage and conviction for those hesitant to publicly support the Prophet Muḥammad. ʿAllāmah reflects on the contrast between divine mercy and severe retribution, as highlighted in the chapter’s opening verses. The commentary also addresses theological questions about intercession and the ultimate accountability of all individuals before God.
The commentary on Sūrah Fuṣṣilat focuses on the Qur’an as a revelation elaborated in clear Arabic for the guidance of the Prophet’s people. ʿAllāmah examines the idolaters’ rejection of the Qur’anic message and their demands for miracles, providing philosophical insights into the nature of revelation and human responses to divine guidance. The chapter emphasizes the unity of divine attributes and the inevitability of resurrection, calling upon humanity to reflect on the signs of God in the natural world and within themselves.
Throughout this volume, ʿAllāmah engages in subtle discussions on divine approval and displeasure, the knowledge of inanimate objects as depicted in the Qur’an, and the interplay between reason and revelation. He addresses the historical context of the Qur’anic verses, providing a nuanced understanding of the debates between the Prophet and the Meccan polytheists. The philosophical reflections on idolatry, divine justice, and the ethical dimensions of belief are seamlessly integrated with the exegetical analysis.
Volume thirty-four of Tafsīr al-Mīzān is a profound exploration of the Qur’anic teachings on faith, morality, and divine guidance. It offers timeless lessons for contemporary readers, making it an essential resource for understanding the challenges and principles underlying the Prophet’s mission.
Read this volume online
The commentary in this volume is on almizan.org:
- Chapter 39: Al-Zumar (The Companies)
- Chapter 40: Al-Muʾmin (The Believer)
- Chapter 41: Fuṣṣilat (Explained in Detail)
Where to buy
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