TAFSIR ESOTERIK AL-MAJLISIY DALAM BIHÂR AL-ANWÂR

Wendri, Novizal ( STAIN Padangsidimpuan Sumatera Utara)

JURNAL PENELITIAN KEISLAMAN
Vol 7, No 1 (2010): (Desember)

One salient feature of the approach to the Qur’anic exegesis among Shi’i is concerned with the interpretation of the inner meaning (esoteric) of the Qur’an. This study discusses the argument of the esoteric exegesis in the work of Allamah al-Majlisiy, Bihâr al-Anwâr. He was an influential Muslim scholar in the era of Syah Sulayman and Syah Husayn of the Safawid. The purpose of the work was to disseminate Shi’i doctrine to the people. The work highlights the esoteric interpretation of Imam and therefore it was considered as the continuation of the Imam Ja’far esoteric tradition. The study demonstrates that one fundamental characters of the esoteric interpretation in the work is its concern on the proportional and balanced element between esoteric and exoteric interpretation. According to al-Majlisiy, the Qur’an contains both inner and outer meanings and dimensions. However, the knowledge about the inner and outer dimensions of the Qur’an exclusively belongs to Imam; none knows such dimensions except Imam. The main focus of al-Majlisiy esoteric interpretation are about leadership (imâmah) such as the authority of Imam, Imam as the heir and sole interpreter of the Qur’an, the Prophet family circle (ahl bayt) and the obligation to comply Imam. This kind of Shi’i interpretation enriches the tradition of the Qur’anic exegesis in Islam.