Updated 12 March 2014

Message of the Qur’an reviewed by Shaykh Jaffer Ladak is an excellent first volume by Ayatullah Nasir Makarim Shirazi, on the topic of Knowledge and Comprehension.

Book review: Message of the Qur'an, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

By Jaffer Ladak

The Message of the Qur'an is the first of several volumes of thematic commentary by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi, a scholar known for his profound insights and studies of the Holy Qur'an.  In this volume, Ayatullah Shirazi divides the book in two: An introduction to the various methodologies of Qur'anic commentary and an exposition of thematic commentary followed by an extensive compilation of the series' opening theme, knowledge and comprehension, 'ilm wa al-ma'rifat.

Just as with other revelations, the Holy Qur'an has many interpretative methodologies, or hermeneutical keys, to elaborate on its verses and meanings. Some are synonymous with each other while others are unique to the Holy Qur'an.  Ayatullah Shirazi initiates the discussion by listing five forms of Qur'anic commentary: Exegisis of words; sequential exegesis; thematic exegesis; relational exegesis and exposition in light of the worldview of the Qur'an, the latter two he admits are still in their embryonic stages. 

In light of this, Ayatullah Shirazi then dedicates a detailed analysis to the nature, history and development of thematic commentary.  He explains "In synchrony with the growth of Islam and the general progression of the Islamic society, appropriate verses of the Qur'an were being revealed and the necessary directions were being given, thereby perfecting this precise programme for man's development.  By keeping this discussion in mind, the various verses which are related to a particular issue are assembled together from all parts of the Qur'an.  These verses, which were revealed for various different instances and events, are grouped together so that the viewpoint of the Qur'an in relation to that particular issue and all of its dimensions can be made clear. Since parts of the Qur'an elucidate and explain other parts, the various dimensions of the topic are thus made clear. Without a doubt whenever these groups of verses of the Qur'an are placed alongside one another and expounded upon, new realities are discovered from them.

Citing examples of its application from Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) and 'Allama Mohammed Baqir al-Majlisi (a.r), Ayatullah Shirazi demonstrates this methodology has been established by the holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s) and included by the past scholars, but states "it must be acknowledged that commentary in the form of thematic exegesis is still passing through its infancy."

As a reader, I was struck by the keenness of Ayatullah Shirazi to emphasise a principle of no finality, in that unearthing new treasures of the Holy Qur'an, with modern insights were necessary to continue the development of the Muslim community.  He stated "What is important is that authoritative scholars do not duplicate the work already being done. Rather each person should come forward with a new initiative so that by this illumination, this long path can more easily be traversed."

The vast majority of the book migrates from theoretical discussion to practical thematic commentary where Ayatollah Shirazi gathers all the verses relating to the Basmalah and also 750 verses relating to the importance of seeking knowledge and deep insight and enters a comprehensive analysis of them saying, "it is considered as one of mankind’s most important obligations."  Truly, this section yields many fruits of wisdom whereby the author discusses topics such as the role of sensory knowledge, the philosophy of history, the unveiled knowledge of the 'Close Friends' of Allah (swt), removing the barriers toward deep cognisance and the authority of the intellect. 

The importance of this book should not be overlooked. Firstly, there is a distinct lack of Qur'anic commentary available in the English language, while moreover, as writing this, 'Message of the Qur'an' is the only text dedicated to the topic of thematic exegesis, ensuring its priceless position on our bookshelves.  Moreover the simplicity of the language used ensures it is a book accessible to both the avid student of commentary and the inquisitive-minded.  The sheer diversity of topics elaborated upon, quotes from numerous other works and questions undertaken guarantees the readers' mind will open new doors of appreciation.  The fact that Ayatullah Shirazi has painstakingly collected so many verses on knowledge and comprehension in itself suggests the importance of the topic within this volume and thus is a must read.  Truly, it is one of the finest works available to us in the English language and should be grasped as quickly as possible!

This book is available for only £5 from www.wfshop.org

To order, please visit www.wfshop.org or email islamiceducation@world-federation.org, or call 01923823606.