Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Mohsen Fazel Bakhshayesh ¹
• mohammad hadi mansouri ²

¹ Quran and Hadith Department of Islamic Studies University

² The Quran and Hadith Group of Islamic Studies University

Abstract

In the Holy Quran, the contrasting concepts of "constriction of the chest" (ḍīq ṣadr) and "expansion of the chest" (sharḥ ṣadr) are attributed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a phenomenon that, at first glance, appears to contradict his exalted status of prophethood and his position of infallibility. In the exegeses, the causes of the Prophet's constriction of the chest have been explained with diverse and sometimes conflicting opinions, ranging from the pressure of the disbelievers and the harassment of the polytheists to the inner anguish over the misguidance of the community. This matter, in addition to revealing the complexity of the subject, highlights the lack of definitive evidence and the necessity for a revision in the analysis of this issue. The present research, utilizing a descriptive-analytical method and integrating the two approaches of Quranic exegesis with the Quran and narrative exegesis, critically analyzes the viewpoints of the commentators and, by citing intra-textual evidence and narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), offers a novel explanation of the nature of the constriction of the chest. The findings of this study indicate that the Prophet's constriction of the chest was not the result of external failure but rather stemmed from his deep concern regarding the continuity of divine guidance after him and anxiety about the acceptance of the guardianship (wilayah) of Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him) as the institution for the continuation of the mission. Accordingly, the constriction of the chest in the prophetic realm is considered a manifestation of the Prophet's historical responsibility in laying the groundwork for the realization of the rightful guardianship and the preservation of the unity of the Islamic community. This research, by revealing the connection between the constriction of the chest and the issue of guardianship, presents a new perspective on its significance and implications within the framework of the Holy Prophet's mission.

Keywords

• Hardship, constriction of the chest, Prophethood and Imamat/Leadership, Unity of the Islamic Ummah, Surah Al-A'
• raf

Main Subjects

• Interpretation of Quran