Analysis of the Exegesis of the Verse “Today I Have Perfected for You Your Religion” and Its Impact on the Concept of the Guardianship of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa)
Keywords:
Verse of completion, guardianship of the Ahl al-Bayt, Ghadir Khum, commentary on the Quran, History of Islam, Shia, SunniAbstract
The blessed verse “Today I have perfected for you your religion” is considered one of the most prominent verses of the Holy Qur’an, which has always held a special place among Muslims, both Shia and Sunni. This article aims to examine various exegetical interpretations of this verse and analyze its impact on the concept of the Guardianship (wilāyah) of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa). First, the historical context and circumstances of the verse’s revelation are studied. Then, different interpretations—including those of Ibn Kathīr and other exegetes—are analyzed. Subsequently, the relationship between this verse and the discussions of Guardianship and Imamate of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa), as well as its influence on the formation of the Islamic community, are explored. In addition, narrations (ḥadīths) associated with this verse are examined, critiqued, and evaluated to assess their authenticity and reliability. Finally, through synthesizing the findings, the role of this verse in shaping the understanding of the Guardianship of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) throughout Islamic history is discussed and analyzed. The interpretive ambiguities present in this verse have enabled various Islamic schools of thought to offer different understandings based on their respective doctrines and teachings. These exegetical divergences have led to the emergence of differences and diversity of viewpoints among Muslims, contributing to the broader spectrum of religious pluralism within the Islamic world.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sadrallah Jamshidi (Author); Mohammadmehdi Rezvani; Mohsen Zarei (Author)
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