A Review of the Article “Zaqqum” in the Encyclopedia of the Quran of Leiden

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty Member of the Quran and Hadith Sciences Department, Faculty of Humanities, University of Arak, Arak, Iran

2 PhD Candidate of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Arak, Arak, Iran

3 Fatemeh Ghanbari: Graduate in Master of Interpretation of the Holy Quran, University of Quranic Sciences and Teachings, Qom, Iran

10.22034/jqopv.2024.9107

Abstract

The article on “Zaqqum” in the Leiden Encyclopedia, written by Salwa Al-A’wa, examines the Zaqqum tree in the Quran, introducing the accursed tree in the Quran as the same tree known as Zaqqum, following the views of some Sunni commentators while disregarding other narrations of both sects. The one-sided perspective and lack of comprehensiveness by the author led to an incomplete analysis of the Zaqqum tree and an improper explanation of its relationship with the accursed tree. Therefore, a comprehensive examination of the Zaqqum tree and criticism of the author’s perspective seems necessary. Hence, this paper investigates the term “Zaqqum” in the Quranic semantic network and delves into its association or lack thereof with the accursed tree. Despite the aforementioned shortcomings, the article has strengths such as examining all instances of the usage of “Zaqqum” in the Quran, providing an eloquent depiction of pure and heavenly trees while contrasting them with the Zaqqum tree, utilizing lexical sources, criticizing their opinions, and exploring the conflict between apparent and rational views. The weaknesses of the article include exclusive reliance on Sunni sources, overlooking Shiite sources, limited resources, disregard for interpretive narrations concerning the accursed tree, and presenting the accursed tree as the primary instance of the Zqaqum tree. The intentional flaw of the article lies in conflating the relationship between the accursed tree and the Zaqqum tree and failing to refer to other sources, especially disregarding narrations indicating that the accursed tree is a particular symbol for a specific group (the Umayyads). This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and library resourc

Keywords

References

  1. Quran Kareem (The Holy Quran), Translated by Naser Makarem Shirazi (The Noble Quran), Abedzadeh Publications, Tehran: 1392 SH (2013 CE).
  2. Alusi, Mahmoud Bin Abdullah, Ruh al-Ma’ani fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Spirit of the Meanings in the Exegesis of the Quran), Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut: 1415 (1994 CE).
  3. Askari, Sayyid Morteza, Naghs-e A’immeh-ye Alayhomsalam dar Ehyaye Din (The Role of the Imams in Reviving the Religion), Scientific and Cultural Institute of Allameh Askari, Qom: 1397 SH (2018 CE).
  4. Baghawi, Hossein Bin Masoud, Ma’alim al-Tanzil (Signs of Revelation), Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut: 1420 AH (1999 CE).
  5. Baharani, Hashem Bin Suleiman, Al-Burhan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Proof in Interpreting the Quran), Dar al-Tafsir, Qom: 1375 SH (1996 CE).
  6. Fakhr Razi, Mohammad Bin Umar, Tafsir al-Kabir (The Great Exegesis), Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut: 3rd Edition, 1420 AH (1999 CE).
  7. Howaizi, Abdul Ali Bin Joma’a, Nur al-Thaqalayn (The Light of the Two Heavy Things), Ismailiyan, Qom: 1415 AH (1994 CE).
  8. Ibn Abi Hatim Razi, Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammad, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim (Exegesis of the Mighty Quran), Maktabah Nizar Mustafa al-Baz, Riyadh: 3rd Edition, 1419 AH (1998 CE).
  9. Ibn Babawayh, Mohammad Bin Ali, Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih (He Who Does Not Have a Jurisprudent with Him), Edited by Ali Akbar Ghaffari, Islamic Publications Office Affiliated with the Organization of Seminary Teachers of Qom: 2nd Edition, 1413 AH (1992 CE).
  10. Jafariyan, Rasoul, Hayat Fikri va Siyasi Imamane Shia (The Intellectual and Political Life of Shia Imams), Ansarian, Qom: 6th Edition, 1381 SH (2002 CE).
  11. Kulayni, Mohammad Bin Ya’qub, Al-Kafi (The Sufficient), Edited by Ali Akbar Ghaffari and Mohammad Akhundi, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, Tehran: 4th Edition, 1407 AH (1987 CE).
  12. Makarem Shirazi, Naser, Tafsir Nemouneh (The Exemplary Interpretatoin), Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, Tehran: 10th Edition, 1371 SH (1992 CE).
  13. McAuliffe, Jane Dammen, Encyclopaedia of the Quran, Brill Publications, Leiden: 2001 CE.
  14. Moaddab, Seyyed Reza; Musavi Moqaddam, Seyyed Mohammad, Naqde Daireh-ye Ma’arif-e Quran Laiden bar Asas Ara’ va Mabani-e Shi’a (Critique of the Quran Lexicon in Leiden Based on the Opinions and Foundations of Shi’ism), Research Journal on Shia Studies, 6th Year, Issue 23, Fall 1387 (2008 CE).
  15. Najazadegan, Fathullah, Naqshe Pishfarzha va Mabani Kalami dar Fehm va Tafsir Ayat-e Quran (The Role of Theological Presuppositions and Foundations in Understanding and Interpreting Quranic Verses), Andisheh-e Novin-e Dini, Year 3, Issue 9, Summer 1386 (2007 CE).
  16. Qaniei, Ali; Moradi, Fatemeh, Barresi Maqaleh Ali Bin Abi Talib (AS) EQ (Review of the Article on Ali Bin Abi Talib EQ), Journal on Qrietalists’ Quranic Studies, Year 15, Issue 29, Fall and Winter 1399 SH (2020 CE).
  17. Rezai Esfahani, Mohammad Ali, Barresi Dayereh-ye Ma’arif-e Quran Laiden (Review of the Quran Lexicon in Leiden), Bi-Annual Journal on Qrietalists’ Quranic Studies, 1st Issue, Winter 1385 SH (2006 CE).
  18. Rezai Esfahani, Mohammad Ali, Darsname-ye Raveshha va Gara’ihaye Tafsiri-ye Quran (Syllabus Book on Quranic Methodologies and Approaches), International Center for Islamic Studeis, Qom: 1382 SH (2003 CE).
  19. Rezai Esfahani, Mohammad Ali; Razavi, Seyyed Kamal, Naqd Maqaleh-e Abzarha-ye Baraye Motale’e Elm-e Quran Andrew Rippin (Critique of Tools for the Study of Quranic Science by Andrew Rippin), Bi-Annual Journal on Qrietalists’ Quranic Studies, Year 12, Issue 22, Spring and Summer 1396 SH (2017 CE).
  20. Shahid Thani, Zayn al-Din Bin Ali, Maniyat al-Murid (The Desire of the Seeker), Edited by Reza Mokhtari, Maktab al-I’lami al-Islami, Qom: 1409 AH (1988 CE).
  21. Suyuti, Abdul Rahman Bin Abi Bakr, Al-Durr al-Manthur fi Tafsir bil-Ma’thur (The Scattered Pearls in Tafsir by Tradition), Kitabkhane Amumi Hazrat Ayatollah Marashi Najafi (RA), Qom: 1404 AH (1983 CE).
  22. Tabari, Mohammad Bin Jarir, Jami’ al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Comprehensive Exposition on the Exegesis of the Quran), Dar al-Ma’arif, Beirut: 1412 AH (1991 CE).
  23. Tabatabai, Mohammad Hossein, Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Balance in Quranic Interpretation), Jami’ah Mudarrisin Hawzah Ilmiyyah, Islamic Publications Office, Qom: 5th Edition, 1374 SH (1995 CE).
  24. Tabrisi, Fadl Bin Hasan, Translation of Majma al-Bayan by Hossein Nouri Hamadani, Farahani Publications, Tehran: n.d.
  25. Zarkashi, Abu Abdullah Badr al-Din, Al-Burhan fi Ulum al-Quran (The Proof in Quranic Sciences), Mohammad Abu al-Fadl Ibrahim, Dar Ihya al-Kutub al-Arabiyyah, Beirut: 1376 SH (1956 CE).
  26. Zhahabi, Shams al-Din, Mizan al-I’tidal fi Naqd al-Rijal (The Balance in Criticizing Narrators), Ali Mohammad al-Bajawi, Dar al-Ma’arifah lil-Tiba’ah wa al-Nashr, Beirut: 1422 AH (2001 CE).
The Qur’an from Orientalists Point of View
Volume 18, Issue 35 - Serial Number 35
(Registration No. 124/ 5086 Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance)
March 2024
Pages 257-280

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 05 March 2023
  • Revise Date: 08 August 2023
  • Accept Date: 27 August 2023

Share

How to cite

Statistics