Macroscopic Perspective on the Civilizational Reading of the Quran and Its Dimensions

Document Type : Original Article

Author

PhD, Cultural Policymakking, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran

10.22081/jgq.2025.77432

Abstract

The two principles of takhsīs (specification) and taqyīd (restriction) are among the fundamental rules discussed in the science of jurisprudential principles (uṣūl al-fiqh). These principles are applied to provide a commonsensical reconciliation of textual pieces of evidence in cases where there is no established contradiction (taʿāruḍ ghayr mustaqirr) between them. Accordingly, if we have a general (ʿāmm) piece of textual evidence and, in contrast, a specific (khāṣṣ) one, reconciliation is achieved based on the principle of specification. Similarly, there is an absolute (muṭlaq) text and, in contrast, a restricted (muqayyad) one, reconciliation is done in terms of the principle of restriction. This study seeks to answer a fundamental question: if a Quranic proof is general or absolute, can it be subject to specification or restriction through a single-transmitter report (khabar al-wāḥid)? The research hypothesis is that, given the distinctive status of the Quranic evidence, particular criteria must govern its specification or restriction
by single-transmitter reports. The aim of this research is to offer a more meticulous methodology of jurisprudential deduction regarding Quranic evidence. This goal is pursued through a principled ijtihad-based approach, which draws upon argumentative rules and means, while also incorporating foundational and distinctive considerations. According to research findings, the specification of the Quran by single-transmitter reports must be subject to two conditions. First condition: the single-transmitter report intended for specifying or restricting a general or absolute Quranic statement must be robust in its text, chain of transmission, signification, and authoritativeness—free from any form of weakness. We have argued for this condition within two stages. Second condition: the generality or absoluteness of the Quranic text must, in itself and independently of the presence of a specifier (mukhaṣṣiṣ) or restrictor (muqayyid), be susceptible to specification or restriction. According to the theory developed in this study, these two major conditions form the foundation of principles for the application of single-transmitter reports in specifying or restricting the Quranic verses.

Keywords

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