The Imams and Qur’anic Exegesis

: Argumentative Approach to Interpreting the Qur’anic Text and Building Doctrinal Certainty (A Theological Study)

Abstract

This research aims to study the argumentative mechanisms revealed in selected examples of narrations attributed to the Imams (peace be upon them) in explaining the meanings of the Quranic text and revealing its intent in matters of creed, and to analyze its cognitive impact in establishing doctrinal certainty in the recipient. The research problem stems from questioning the nature of the inferential paths that appear in these texts, and how Quranic evidence, rational argumentation, and dialogue are employed in establishing doctrinal issues and refuting doubts about them. The research adopted an inductive-analytical approach, through the selection of narrations directly related to doctrinal issues, and studying their argumentative structure by analyzing the claim, the question or doubt, the evidence used, the method of reasoning, and the resulting conclusion, while distinguishing between what the narrations establish and what the researcher concludes from analyzing their argumentative structure.

The analysis of the studied models revealed the diversity of argumentative mechanisms employed in the discourse of the Imams (peace be upon them). Among the most prominent of these mechanisms are: reliance on Quranic verses, rational argumentation, compelling the listener to accept the implications of their own statements, dismantling the premises of doubt, transitioning from the concrete to the abstract, and utilizing questions and answers to engage the listener in the argumentative process. The research also demonstrated that the cognitive value of these mechanisms extends beyond simply stating the doctrinal issue. It encompasses explaining its evidence and how it relates to the issue, thus providing the recipient with a foundational understanding that enables them to move from merely receiving the issue to comprehending its demonstrative basis. Therefore, the aim of "building doctrinal certainty" in this study is not to establish or prove doctrinal truth in and of itself, but rather to solidify the recipient's certainty by revealing its evidence and the methods of argumentation used to support it.