The Role of Umayyad Political Discourse in Shaping Interpretative Narratives of the Phrase "And Were It Not that Allah Pushed Back Some People by Some Others"

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Ph. D in Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Shiraz University, shiraz, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Shiraz University, shiraz, Iran.

10.30497/qhs.2024.245396.3870

Abstract

One verse of the Quran that has garnered multiple interpretations is the phrase "And were it not that Allah pushed back some people by some others". The initial interpretation by the first interpreter of the Revelation posits that the defense mentioned in this verse is of a spiritual nature. It suggests that God, by virtue of the presence of individuals, who diligently practice religious obligations, such as prayer, prevents afflictions and calamities from befalling others. This interpretation was echoed by Imam Ali (AS) after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, the rise of the Umayyad dynasty to power led to significant transformations in the Prophet's interpretation of this verse. This study aimed to examine these transformations by analyzing the interpretive narratives during three distinct periods: the early period, the period of consolidation of power, and the period of decline of Umayyad rule. The findings revealed that the shift in the interpretation of the defenders (those through whom divine afflictions and calamities are averted), from religious figures to the Companions and the Abdāl (religious devotees) can be traced back to the oppressive policies of the Umayyad caliphs. During the time of Imam Sadiq (AS), following the end of Umayyad oppression, he presented an interpretation similar to that of the prophet (PBUH). He further invalidated the prevailing misinterpretations by adding the explanatory term "shi'atuna" (our followers) to the aforementioned interpretation, fundamentally rejecting them.

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Quran and Hadith Studies‎
Volume 18, Issue 1 - Serial Number 35
Autumn 2024 & Winter 2025
September 2024

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