THE APPROACH OF INFERENCE FROM THE QUR’ĀNIC SIMILITUDES IN THE QUR’ĀNIC EXEGESIS (A SPECIALIZED STUDY OF AL-JĀMI’ LI-AḤKĀM AL-QUR’ĀN)

Abstract

Similitudes of the Qur’ān is one of the most significant discussions in the Qur’ānic Sciences. Allāh the Almighty has used multiple modes of description in the Qur’ān for the guidance and counselling of mankind. One of the modes used is to create similes for elucidation of matters because it is more feasible for a human mind to percept things through them. Allāh the Exalted continued His prevailing tradition in His final revelation to make mankind realize the divine facts through these non-complex, lucid and perspicuous similitudes. This article focusses on apprehending the meaning, types and significances of the Qur’ānic Similitudes. It also analyzes the approach adopted by remarkably visionary exegete of Seventh Century, Imām Qurṭubī, in interpreting them in his voluminous and compendious exegesis Al-Jāmi’ li-Aḥkām al-Qur’ān through descriptive and analytical research methodologies. The research paper concludes with the salient features and significance of this particular science.