A Comparative Analysis of the Interpretive Methods of Allameh Tabataba’i’s Al-Mizan and Wahbah al-Zuhayli’s Al-Tafsir al-Munir

Abstract

Background: The Holy Quran, as a book of guidance for Muslims, has been of interest to commentators since the beginning of Islam, and the interpretation of this divine book has created various schools of interpretation among different Islamic sects. Objective: The objective of this article was to compare and contrast the interpretive methods of Allamah Tabataba'i's Al-Mizan and Dr. Wahba Zuhaili's Al-Munir and to examine their similarities and differences. Method: This descriptive-analytical research was conducted in a library manner. Allamah Tabataba'i's interpretive method in Al-Mizan was based on the Quran with a philosophical-social orientation, while Dr. Wahba Zuhaili's interpretive method in Al-Munir was based on jurisprudence and theology using traditional and intellectual sources and paying attention to contemporary issues. Findings: The results showed that both commentators used the Quran as the main source of interpretation and paid attention to social issues. However, fundamental differences in the use of sources (Quran, Sunnah, reason) and interpretive tendencies (philosophical versus jurisprudential-theological) were observed, which resulted from the doctrinal beliefs and cultural and social conditions of each commentator. Conclusion: The conclusion showed that Al-Mizan and Al-Munir, despite the differences in approaches, are both comprehensive and valuable commentaries that have addressed the understanding and explanation of the verses of the Quran.