The study of Shi'a exegetical trends in recent decades and the evolution of interpretative approaches before and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran has been a significant area of scholarly interest in Qurʾānic studies. The revolution profoundly influenced the development of Qurʾānic research and the interpretative directions scholars took in engaging with the verses of the Qurʾān. Numerous studies have sought to analyze these intellectual movements by providing examples and categorizing the tendencies of contemporary exegetes.
Among modern Qurʾānic scholars, some have adopted a unique approach in their exegetical works, engaging with political and social issues rather than remaining indifferent. The authors argue that Ayatollah Mohammad-Reza Mahdavi-Kani is one such interpreter who, in his works, has emphasized the practical and societal applications of Qurʾānic teachings. He presents the Qurʾān as a fundamental text for governance and the derivation of necessary legal principles for Islamic societies. Due to his multifaceted scholarly background, Mahdavi-Kani naturally integrates discussions on ethical, social, and jurisprudential matters, approaching Qurʾānic interpretation from various perspectives. Although his initial exegetical approach aligned with the post-revolutionary discourse of unifying religion and politics, a review of his works reveals a broader engagement with ethical, historical, social, and even legal dimensions of the Qurʾān.
This study conducts a case analysis of Mahdavi-Kani’s exegetical works to determine his place within Shi'a interpretative currents and identify similarities and differences between his approach and other scholars of the same trend. Using a library-based research method, this paper specifically examines the concept of Qurʾānic guidance in a descriptive and qualitative manner.
Given that one of the key aspects of the Qurʾān’s miraculous nature is its guidance for humanity throughout history, and considering that the Qurʾān explicitly defines guidance as its central mission, this study hypothesizes that analyzing Mahdavi-Kani’s understanding of Qurʾānic guidance can illuminate his exegetical stance toward the nature and miraculous aspects of the Qurʾān. Contemporary exegetes widely address this issue, striving to clarify the mechanisms and methodologies of Qurʾānic guidance. Consequently, this paper provides an in-depth examination of Mahdavi-Kani's corpus, exploring his perspective on Qurʾānic guidance, its categories, and its specific manifestations. Ultimately, this analytical and qualitative study contributes to the understanding of Mahdavi-Kani’s interpretative approach and his perspective on various Qurʾānic subjects.
The study’s findings indicate that Mahdavi-Kani identifies three primary methods of Qurʾānic guidance: 1) Encouraging and warning through Qurʾānic verses (Tarbiyah and Indhar), 2) Utilizing parables and diverse narrative styles (Tamthil), and 3) Employing rational arguments (Burhān ʿAqlī).
He discusses the implementation of each method, its unique features, and its targeted audience. By defining and exemplifying these approaches, Mahdavi-Kani highlights their practical applications in guiding individuals and societies toward prosperity. He underscores the necessity of adopting these Qurʾānic methods for teaching, admonition, and explanation while urging religious educators to employ them effectively. Mahdavi-Kani asserts that divine knowledge of human nature and psychological needs has determined the Qurʾān’s use of different guidance methods based on context and audience. He argues that understanding these elements is essential for effective religious propagation, requiring sensitivity to historical, social, and situational factors.
According to Mahdavi-Kani, human beings sometimes require encouragement to take action, while at other times they need cautionary warnings to restrain negative inclinations. Therefore, divine wisdom utilizes both incentives and deterrents within the Qurʾān to ensure balanced personal and societal growth. Overemphasis on either factor may lead to extremism, a concern he addresses by advocating a balanced pedagogical approach. He refutes criticisms of the Qurʾān's supposedly threatening language, portraying it instead as an enlightening and informative scripture.
Furthermore, Mahdavi-Kani expands the conceptual scope of each method, analyzing their implications for Qurʾānic guidance. He considers allegorical representation a probable dimension of Qurʾānic miraculousness, illustrating divine pedagogy. According to his perspective, parable-based guidance follows three cognitive stages: reminder, reflection, and reasoning, making it an effective tool for historical education and learning.
Finally, Mahdavi-Kani suggests that Qurʾānic rational arguments primarily serve to awaken individuals from heedlessness and stimulate inquiry. The Qurʾān deliberately employs diverse rhetorical techniques—from references to minute creatures to intellectual challenges—to provoke engagement from skeptics, thereby guiding them toward deeper examination of its verses.