Izutsu’s Semantic Principles Based on Exegetical–Hadith Sources and Orientalist Components

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in Comparative Interpretation, Holy Quran University of Sciences and Education

2 Professor of Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiya University

3 Associate Professor of the Holy Quran University of Sciences and Education

Abstract

This research conducts a critical re-reading of Toshihiko Izutsu’s views in the field of Qur’anic semantics. Its purpose is to examine the intersection of three domains: "Shiite Theology," "Izutsu’s Methodology," and the "Discourse of Orientalism," with a specific focus on Shiite exegetical-hadith sources and the analysis of Orientalist components. The central question is whether Izutsu’s semantic foundations, given his predominant reliance on Sunni exegetical sources, are capable of aligning with the Shiite interpretive system—centered on concepts like Wilayah (guardianship), Bāṭin (esoteric meaning), and Taʾwīl (spiritual hermeneutics). Furthermore, it investigates how his approach relates to contemporary Orientalism, characterized by historical reductionism, East/West dichotomies, and an objectivist gaze towards religious texts. The methodology combines qualitative content analysis of Izutsu’s key works, a comparative study with pivotal Shiite texts (like Tafsīr al-Mīzān and Biḥār al-Anwār), and a critique of classical and modern Orientalist discourse (e.g., Goldziher, Schacht). The findings reveal, first, that fundamental Shiite concepts require redefinition beyond purely historical semantics within Izutsu’s framework. Second, despite some convergences, serious contradictions exist between Izutsu’s existentialist semantics and the positivist paradigm of Orientalists. The conclusion proposes a novel step towards establishing a "comparative semantics of religions" with a critical approach to Orientalism, by integrating Izutsu’s semantics, Shiite hermeneutics, and Orientalism critique.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 10 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 December 2025

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