Quranic Sciences and Tradition

Quranic Sciences and Tradition

Elaborating ʿAllāma Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s Theory of ‘Guidance by Divine Command’ and Evaluating the Criticisms Raised Against It

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Reza Karimi
Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22059/jqst.2026.411767.670609
Abstract
Although ʿAllāma Ṭabāṭabāʾī's exegetical view of the doctrine of imāma (Imamate) has philosophical and mystical antecedents and foundations, he formulates it primarily through the method of interpreting the Qur'an by means of the Qur'an (tafsīr al-Qurʾān bi-l-Qurʾān). This characteristic—explaining philosophical and theological issues through the language of the Qur'an—has resulted in a profound and multilayered account that requires further elaboration and clarification. The principal aim of this article is to develop and further explain ʿAllāma Ṭabāṭabāʾī's theory of hidāya bi-l-'amr (guidance by divine command) and to evaluate the criticisms raised against it. The study hypothesizes that elaborating this theory contributes to a deeper understanding of the doctrine of Imamate and that the criticisms of its opponents largely result from an insufficient appreciation of the depth and implications of the theory. Employing an analytical method, the study demonstrates that one of the most illuminating expressions for understanding Imamate is ulū al-'amr (those vested with authority), which requires a precise analysis of the term 'amr (command). According to ʿAllāma Ṭabāṭabāʾī, 'amr refers to the inner dimension (bāṭin) and malakūt (metaphysical dominion) of this world. Accordingly, ulū al-'amr are those who possess access to its inner reality and malakūt. Thus, as also supported by hadith reports, the heart of the Imam serves as the locus for the divine will. Understanding this point has important implications for the doctrine of Imamate. In particular, the theory of hidāya bi-l-'amr can explain the esoteric dimension of the status of the Imam and thereby make possible a two-layered interpretation of the verses concerning wilāya (divinely sanctioned authority) and Imamate, comprising both tanzīl (revelatory/literal application) and taʾwīl (esoteric interpretation). Following an explanation of the definition and implications of the theory, the article examines the difficulties associated with it that have led some Shiite scholars to criticize it. The study then provides a brief response to these criticisms.
Keywords
: guidance by divine command (hidāya bi-l-'amr)
ʿAllāma Ṭabāṭabāʾī
Imamate (imāma)
ulū al-'amr
inner dimension (bāṭin)
malakūt
Subjects
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Quranic Sciences and Tradition
Volume 59, Issue 1
Spring & Summer 2026
September 2026
Pages 3-19