An analysis of classification of revelation types made by al-Zamakhshari and al-Baydawi in terms of the sciences of the Quran

Abstract

The Sciences of the Quran contain information about the process of Quran and its structural characteristics, language and stylistic features, as well as statistical data on the con-tent of the Quran. This information, which contributes significantly to the understanding of the Quran, is generally classified within the relevant narratives and the classifications are sometimes associated with verses. In this context, the way in which the Sciences of the Quran explain the verses, which do not act solely on methodical premises, differs from the Quranic exegesis books. In the Sciences of the Quran, the subject of revelation forms are classified within the frame of the narrations, and the 51st verse of the Surat al-Shura is frequently re-ferred to. In other words, the related classifications are matched with the 51st verse of the Surat al-Shura. In the exegesis, this verse is handled more comprehensively considering its context and the literal possibilities. There are two remarkable comments about this verse in terms of its reflection in the revelation classifications. However, on the contrary, it is possible to encounter examples where the verse is subject to specific discussions. One of them belongs to Jar Allah al-Zamakhshari (d.538/1144) and the other to Nasir al-Din al-Baydawi (d. 685/1286). When the exegesis of al-Zamakhshari and al-Baydawi are examined, it is seen that this verse is the subject of ru'yat Allah (seeing Allah) discussion between Mutazila and Ahl al-Sunnah and the classifications are made in this context. However, it is interesting to note that the classification of al-Zamakhshari is more suitable for the perspective of the Sciences of the Quran. In this study, the codes of the determinations made by al-Zamakhshari and al-Baydawi related to the 51st verse of Surat al-Shura was read on the commentaries. While al-Zamakhshari explains this verse as a proof for the argument that God cannot be seen, al-Baydawi develops an example of reactionary interpretation upon Zamakhshari's view. The Sciences of the Quran (as a discipline), which opens a separate title to the ways of revelation, uses this verse as a template and takes it away from the discussion. In the study, the subjective dimensions of the discussion and classifications made in the context of this verse were eval-uated. As a result, it is concluded that a classification similar to classification of al-Za-makhshari has been made in the literature of the Sciences of the Quran as it provides more comprehensive framework.