Does tafsir ascertain only divine intention in the Qur'an? An investigation on the basis of definition of Molla Fanari

Abstract

Some commentators in the classical period attempted to define Tafsir according to terms of definition in logic. Taking into consideration some previous definitions, they revealed defects of the definitions and tried to make a description of Tafsir exposing its nature. Owing to the fact that a definition exposes the nature of described stuff, this brings out some matters about Tafsir's nature. One of the questions emerged is that: Does Tafsir explore only divine intention in the Qur'an? According to the answer given to the question, different definitions of Tafsir arised. Fanari, who brought out the issue, answered positively the question and illustrated the issue merely with recitations related to pronunciations. Therefore, he added an expression to the definition of Tafsir. in this study, it be will dealed with specifically Tafsir and recitations that are not related to the Qur'an's meaning; generally whether Tafsir investigates the Qur'an outside its meaning or not and what will enter to the scope of the investegating.