THE VIEW OF THE COMMENTATORS OF ISLAMIC SCHOOLS ON THE VERSES OF THE AS-HAB OF AL-A’RAF IN THE HOLY QURAN - A CRITICAL STUDY

Abstract

An interesting subject in Surah A'raf is the story about the companions of A'raf (mystics). Different commentators have different views about who the companions of the mystics really are. This paper has divided these views into two categories. The first which is referred to by the majority of Shiite and some Sunni commentators, is that the companions of the mystics are in fact the Imams. The second view, mentioned by most Sunni and only some Shiite commentators, refers to the mystics as sinners whose good and bad wills are of equal value. After examining and analyzing these views, a third and new view arose. It concludes that in verses 46 and 47 of Surah A'raf, the mystics, are a group of sinful believers whose good and bad wills are equal. Verses 48 and 49 of the same sura refer to the mystics as Imams and people of divinity and dignity, who intercede for the first group. This paper tries to point to the superficiality in the differences and distinctions in opinions of the commentators, and present a new way of thought, and show a more correct interpretation of the verses in Surah A'raf.