Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

The Distinction Between Intellect (ʿAql) and Innate Nature (Fiṭrah) as a Basis for Differential (Social) Rights: A Critical Examination of ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī's Views in His Exegesis of Qur'anic Verses on Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
matineh sadat moosavi 1
mehrdad abbasi 2
1 Ph.D. candidate, Qur'an & Hadith Sciences, Theology & Political Science, Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Qur'an & Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Law, Theology & Political Science, Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jis.2025.496889.2000
Abstract
ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī, in his exegesis Al-Mīzān, adopts a distinctive approach to Qur'anic verses concerning women. He raises various historical, legal, and social dimensions and novel aspects that received less attention in earlier exegetical works. Upon reflection, it becomes evident that in advancing his views, ʿAllāmah relies on certain foundational principles for which sufficient evidence is not provided. The premise that legal rulings are grounded in intellect (ʿaql) and innate nature (fiṭrah) constitutes one of the most central interpretive foundations in his treatment of verses on women in Al-Mīzān. Presupposing the superiority of men's intellect without offering rational proof or transmitted evidence, ʿAllāmah interprets the relevant Qur'anic verses and makes this principle the primary basis for legal differentials between men and women. Accordingly, men's authority (qawwāmiyyah) over women is attributed to the superiority of men's intellect; women are precluded from certain governing positions due to their purported deficiency in rationality; and even differences in inheritance are traced back to the superior status of men's managerial capacity. Regarding polygamy, he enumerates certain considerations of public interest (maṣlaḥah) but considers its appropriateness for men to be entirely rooted in innate nature (fiṭrah).
Keywords
ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī
Tafsir al-Mīzān
Woman
Intellect (ʿAql)
Innate Nature (Fiṭrah)
Qawwāmiyyah (Authority/Maintenance)
Polygamy
Subjects
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