Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Postdoctoral researcher in Quran and Hadith sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (researcher at the Astan Quds Razavi Research Foundation), contact number: 09142353876, reza.mollazadehyamchi@alumni.um.ac.ir
2 PhD Graduate, Department of Islamic Jurisprudence and Law, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Email: m.shoaib68@gmail.com
Abstract
This research, using a descriptive-analytical and comparative method, analyzes the exegetical controversy of "Ya'rishun" in Qur'an 7:137. This verse, the climax of the Israelite-Pharaoh confrontation, concludes with a phrase impacting the representation of Pharaonic civilization and divine destruction (tadmīr). The core issue, beyond lexical dispute, is whether "Ya'rishun" means "lofty palaces" ('arsh), symbolizing power, or "trellised vineyards" ('arish), manifesting luxury. Findings show both meanings stem from the root "elevation" and formed two paradigms in Shi'a and Sunni exegesis. The first presents the civilization as a symbol of "architectural arrogance" and political "supremacy" ('uluww), with tadmīr targeting physical symbols of its power. The second portrays it as a symbol of "material decadence" (itraf) and heedless prosperity, with tadmīr dismantling its economic foundations.
A comparative analysis of commentaries reveals a methodological evolution from preferring one meaning in early works towards a synthetic, comprehensive approach in later ones. The results suggest the ambiguity is a purposeful rhetorical device. This word choice implies divine tadmīr comprehensively encompasses both arrogant power and corrupting luxury of the Pharaonic civilization. It targets both the 'arsh of domination and the 'arish of decadence, demonstrating that from a Qur'anic perspective, the fall of civilizations is rooted in the corrupting nexus of these two components.
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