Hārūt and Mārūt in Books of Tafsir: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to determine the preponderant views regarding the truth about Hārūt and Mārūt and foreground its epistemological and theistic implications. Methodology: This research employs an inductive, comparative, critical, and historical approach by analyzing exegetical discussions on Hārūt and Mārūt. It traces the views of exegetes, reconstructs and assesses their proofs and their counterarguments, and finally determines the most substantiated views. Findings: This study concludes that the preponderant view is that Hārūt and Mārūt are angels, based on various considerations. These include the consensus of classical and contemporary scholars, the strength of the supporting evidence, and the absence of definitive objections to this view. Additionally, recent scholarship rebutted claims that the story of Hārūt and Mārūt was derived from the Talmud. Establishing the dominant interpretation of Hārūt and Mārūt also serves to counter allegations that the Qur’ān borrows from earlier scriptures, which reinforces its divine origins and negates claims of human authorship. Originality: This research contributes novel insights by addressing recent objections to the classification of Hārūt and Mārūt as angels and exploring their epistemological and theistic implications. Furthermore, it demonstrates the ways the Qur’an’s precise details challenge Orientalist claims that it has been derived from earlier scriptures, and thus it reaffirms its divine authenticity.