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The claim: The Qur'an is a book that everyone can understand, and all people can understand religious content correctly and clearly by referring directly to it. The alleged evidence: • The Quran was addressed to the people, and the Prophet recited it to ordinary people, and they understood it and embraced Islam. • God introduces the Qur'an as "مبین", which is translated to “clear” (تِلْکَ آیاتُ الْقُرْآنِ وَ کِتابٍ مُبینٍ = These are the verses of the Qur’ān and a clear Book - 27:1) · God says: "We have explained the verses of the Qur'an in detail (كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ = [This is] a book the verses of which have been made firm, and elaborated by the One who is All Wise, All Aware -11:1) • In the Qur'an, God has ordered people to contemplate the verses of the Qur'an (أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ أَمۡ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقۡفَالُهَآ = Will they not contemplate the Quran? Do they have locks on their hearts? - 47:24), so it is understandable by contemplation. • The imams of Ahl al-Bayt have ordered people to present the Ahadith to the Qur'an to distinguish the correct reports from the fake ones so that the traditions that contradict the Qur'an are discarded. If the Qur'an were not understandable to people, it could not be used as a criterion for measuring the validity of hadith. Refutation: · In the Qur'an, God introduced the Prophet as the teacher of the Qur'an. (هُوَ ٱلَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي ٱلۡأُمِّيِّـۧنَ رَسُولࣰا مِّنۡهُمۡ يَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمۡ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَإِن كَانُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ لَفِي ضَلَٰلࣲ مُّبِينࣲ = It is He who has sent among the unlettered [Arabs] a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and ص [i.e., the Qur’ān] and wisdom [i.e., the sunnah] - although they were before in clear error – 62:2) and if everyone could understand the Qur'an, there was no need for sending a teacher. · God says in the Qur'an that the explanation of the Qur'an is the responsibility of God himself (ثم انّ علینا بیانه = Then, it is undertaken by Us to explain it. 75:19) and He did this job through his messenger as it is mentioned in the following verse: (بِٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتِ وَٱلزُّبُرِۗ وَأَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلذِّكۡرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ = [We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message [i.e., the Qur’ān] that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought. - 44:16) · In addition to Muhkam verses which are clear in terms of their meaning, which we are commanded to contemplate them, the Qur'an also has ambiguous verses (Mutashabih) that contain messages for us, and we should not neglect the wisdom of their revelation, and to understand it, we must refer to a clarification from God or from the divine teacher of the Qur'an [i.e. those firmly rooted in knowledge]. (هُوَ ٱلَّذِيٓ أَنزَلَ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ مِنۡهُ ءَايَٰتࣱ مُّحۡكَمَٰتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَٰبِهَٰتࣱۖ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمۡ زَيۡغࣱ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَٰبَهَ مِنۡهُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ ٱلۡفِتۡنَةِ وَٱبۡتِغَآءَ تَأۡوِيلِهِۦۖ وَمَا يَعۡلَمُ تَأۡوِيلَهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَٱلرَّـٰسِخُونَ فِي ٱلۡعِلۡمِ يَقُولُونَ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ كُلࣱّ مِّنۡ عِندِ رَبِّنَاۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّآ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ = It is He Who has revealed the Book to you. Some of its verses are absolutely clear and lucid, and these are the core of the Book. Others are ambiguous. Those in whose hearts there is perversity, always go about the ambiguous part, seeking mischief and seeking to arrive at its meaning arbitrarily, although none knows their true meaning except Allah, and those firmly rooted in knowledge [who] say: 'We believe in it; it is all from our Lord alone.' No one derives true admonition from anything except the men of understanding. - 3:7) · The meaning of all the verses of the Qur'an (both Muhkam and Mutashabih) is clear in the eyes of those who have been given its knowledge. (بَلۡ هُوَ ءَايَٰتُۢ بَيِّنَٰتࣱ فِي صُدُورِ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَۚ وَمَا يَجۡحَدُ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ إِلَّا ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ = But this ˹Quran˺ is ˹a set of˺ clear revelations ˹preserved˺ in the hearts of those gifted with knowledge. And none denies Our revelations except the ˹stubborn˺ wrongdoers. - 29:49) Not for all people. · The Qur'an has abrogator and abrogated verses as the Quran says: (مَا نَنسَخۡ مِنۡ ءَايَةٍ أَوۡ نُنسِهَا نَأۡتِ بِخَيۡرࣲ مِّنۡهَآ أَوۡ مِثۡلِهَآۗ أَلَمۡ تَعۡلَمۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءࣲ قَدِيرٌ = If We ever abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten, We replace it with a better or similar one. Do you not know that Allah is Most Capable of everything? - 2:106) and to distinguish between them, it is necessary to refer to the statement of the divine teachers of the Quran. · Although God introduces the Qur'an as an explanation of everything ( وَنَزَّلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ تِبۡيَٰنࣰا لِّكُلِّ شَيۡءࣲ وَهُدࣰى وَرَحۡمَةࣰ وَبُشۡرَىٰ لِلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ = We have revealed to you the Book as an explanation of all things, a guide, a mercy, and good news for those who ˹fully˺ submit. -16:89) but in the outward of the Qur’an, we cannot find the explanation and detail of all the subjects of our religion, let alone the explanation and detail of all the subjects of all sciences. The explanation of the verses of the Qur'an and the matters of religion is also the responsibility of God Himself ( كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ = [This is] a Book whose verses are perfected and then presented in detail from [one who is] Wise and Aware - 11:1). Therefore, people must refer to the statement of God's proof and the inheritors of His knowledge who are given the knowledge. · For the Qur'an to be correctly understood, one should take into account the exceptions from general rulings and principles and bindings and restrictions of absolute statements, and observing such exceptions and bindings is not possible for the general public. · In the hadith of Thaqalain, the beloved Prophet of Islam (PBUH) mentioned that the salvation of the Ummah and their preservation from going astray depends on the people's following the two precious and inseparable things: the Qur'an along with the Prophet's infallible progeny. Clarification: Based on the points mentioned earlier, the Arabic word “مبین”, which is used in several verses (like 27:1) as an attribute of the Qur’an, cannot be interpreted in the sense that all the verses of the Qur'an are clear and obvious and that the whole Qur'an is fully understandable for everyone, but rather according to exegesis books[1] [2], the possible meanings of the attribution of “مبین” to the Qur'an are as follows: 1- The Quran clarifies the distinction between the right (guidance) and the wrong (deviation) 2- The Qur'an reveals many truths 3- The fact that the Qur'an is a miracle is clear and obvious. Conclusion: For a complete and correct understanding of the Qur'an, people need referring to the inheritors of the knowledge of the Qur'an, that are, the Prophet and his infallible Ahl al-Bayt. That doesn’t mean that people should refrain from reciting the Qur’an or contemplating its verses, rather it is highly recommended for them to do so and take lessons from its radiant verses, but with this in mind that their understanding of the Qur’an may be incorrect or incomplete and for them to take it in as their belief they must check it with a specialist in the field of the Qur’an and Hadith (i.e. a well-versed scholar). [1] Atyab al-Bayan fi-Tafseer al-Qur’an, vol.8 p. 3 [2] Ruh al-Ma’aani fi-Tafseer al-Qur’an al’Azim, vol.10 p.152

Does the narration 'Fatimah is a part of me' refer to the claim that Ali (AS) proposed marriage to the daughter of Abu Jahl? The narration 'Fatimah is a part of me' signifies that Fatimah Zahra (SA) is an inseparable part of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and is one of the most well-known hadiths about her status. This hadith is widely accepted and transmitted by all Islamic schools of thought.[1] Shia scholars, such as prominent figures like Shaykh Mufid, [2] Shaykh Tusi, [3] and Shaykh Saduq, [4] have transmitted this narration in their works, highlighting its significance and authenticity within the Shia tradition. This hadith has been narrated in various forms in both Sunni sources. However, in some Sunni sources like Sahih al-Bukhari, it is stated that Ali (AS), while married to Fatimah Zahra (SA), also proposed marriage to the daughter of Abu Jahl. When the Prophet (SAW) became aware of this, he declared from the pulpit: 'Fatimah is a part of me, and I dislike anyone harming her. By Allah, the daughter of the enemy of God shall not dwell in the same house as the daughter of the Prophet of God.'[5] Due to its contradiction with the noble character of Ali (AS) and his deep love for Fatimah (SA), this particular Sunni version has been criticized and examined by Shia scholars. Reasons for Rejecting this Narration: 1. Contradiction with Imam Ali’s Character: This narration contradicts the elevated character of Imam Ali (AS) and his loyalty to Lady Fatimah (SA). Imam Ali himself explicitly stated that he never caused any distress to Fatimah al-Zahra. “By Allah, I never made Fatimah angry or displeased until she left this world. Whenever I felt sorrowful, I would look at Fatimah’s face to alleviate my grief.” [6] 2. Weak chain of narration: The chain of transmission (isnad) for this narration has multiple weaknesses, and many scholars consider it unreliable. [7] When analyzing the narrative, we find elements that highlight the weaknesses and fragility of the story, such as: ᴏ Historical inconsistency: The only narrator who mentioned the marriage proposal incident is “Al-Miswar ibn Makhrama.” However, his timeline does not align with the event. Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani states that Al-Miswar was born two years after the Hijra, and he arrived in Medina in the eighth year after the conquest of Mecca. Thus, he could not have witnessed the event he narrated. [8] ᴏ Biased Narrator: Another point is Al-Miswar's enmity towards the Ahl al-Bayt (AS). The Khawarij had a good relationship with him and considered him one of their own. [9] He was a supporter of Mu'awiyah to the extent that whenever he heard Mu'awiyah's name, he would send blessings upon him. [10] This behavior indicates that his purpose in narrating this hadith was to tarnish the character of Imam Ali (AS). ᴏ The historical impossibility of the event: Juwayriya, the daughter of Abu Jahl, had not converted to Islam before the conquest of Mecca, and after embracing Islam, she married ʿAttāb ibn Asīd ibn Abī al-ʿĪṣ ibn Umayya. [11] 3. Attempt to tarnish the Ahl al-Bayt (AS): This narration was likely fabricated to defame the character of Imam Ali (AS); As Imam Sadiq (AS) indicated the story of Imam Ali (AS) proposing to Abu Jahl's daughter was fabricated by his opponents. "'Alqama, you cannot please everyone and silence every tongue. How can you remain safe from something that even prophets and saints were not safe from? Didn't they say about the Messenger of Allah (SAW) that he was a seeker of worldly gains and power? Didn't they attribute to Ali (AS) the desire to marry the daughter of Abu Jahl while he was already married to Fatimah (SA)?" [12] 4. The existence of this narration without mentioning the act of proposing marriage: This narration exists in Sunni sources without mentioning the event of Imam Ali (AS) proposing to the daughter of Abu Jahl, [13] which is similar to how Shia sources narrate this story. This itself is evidence that the event of the proposal is a fabricated story created to defame Imam Ali (AS) and diminish the significance of Fatimah's (SA) distress over Abu Bakr and Umar. [14] Conclusion: The narration "Fatimah is a part of me" is unrelated to the story of Ali's proposal to the daughter of Abu Jahl. Many scholars reject the account of this proposal due to its weak chain of transmission and its contradiction with Ali’s character. This event appears to have been fabricated to damage Imam Ali's (AS) reputation and to undermine the seriousness of Fatimah's (SA) grievances against Abu Bakr and Umar. [1] . Majmu’at al-Rasa’il: Al-Safi, Sheikh Lutfullah, Vol: 2 P: 312. [2] . Al-Amali: Sheikh Al-Mufid, Vol: 1, P: 259. «قَالَ سَمِعْتُ سَعْدَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ يَعْنِي ابْنَ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص يَقُولُ‌ فَاطِمَةُ بَضْعَةٌ مِنِّي مَنْ سَرَّهَا فَقَدْ سَرَّنِي وَ مَنْ سَاءَهَا فَقَدْ سَاءَنِي فَاطِمَةُ أَعَزُّ الْبَرِيَّةِ عَلَيَّ.» [3] . Al-Amali - Dar Al-Thaqafah Edition: Sheikh Al-Tusi, Vol: 1, P: 24. [4] . Ilal Al-Shara'i': Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol: 1, P: 185 and 186. [5] . Sahih Al-Bukhari: Al-Bukhari, Vol: 5, P: 22. [6] . Kashf Al-Ghummah fi Ma'rifat Al-A'immah: Al-Muhaddith Al-Irbili, Vol: 1, P: 352. «فَوَ اللَّهِ مَا اَغْضَبْتُهَا وَ لَا اَکْرَهْتُهَا عَلَی اَمْرٍ حَتَّی قَبَضَهَا اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ لَا اَغْضَبَتْنِی وَ لَا عَصَتْ لِی اَمْراً وَ لَقَدْ کُنْتُ اَنْظُرُ اِلَیْهَا فَتَنْکَشِفُ عَنِّی الْهُمُومُ وَ الْاَحْزَان.» [7] . For more information, please refer to the article: The Legend of the Proposal of the Daughter of Abu Jahl by the Commander of the Faithful (AS). [8] . Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz Al-Sahaba: Al-Asqalani, Ibn Hajar, Vol: 6, P: 94. [9] . Si’ar A’lam al-Nubala: Al-Dhahabi, Shams al-Din, Vol: 4, P: 414. «قَالَ الزُّبَيْرُ بنُ بَكَّارٍ: كانت تَغْشَاهُ، وَيَنْتَحِلُوْنَهُ» [10] . History of Islam - Tadmuri edition: Al-Dhahabi, Shams al-Din, Vol: 5, P: 246 «قَالَ عُرْوَةُ: فَلَمْ أَسْمَعِ الْمِسْوَرَ ذَكَرَ مُعَاوِيَةَ إِلا صَلَّى عَلَيْهِ». [11] . Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra: Ibn Saad, Vol: 8, P: 262. [12] . Amali: Sheikh al-Saduq, P: 165. «فَقَالَ علیه السلام: یَا عَلْقَمَةُ اِنَّ رِضَا النَّاسِ لَا یُمْلَکُ وَاَلْسِنَتَهُمْ لَا تُضْبَطُ وَکَیْفَ تَسْلَمُونَ مِمَّا لَمْ یَسْلَمْ مِنْهُ اَنْبِیَاءُ اللَّهِ وَرُسُلُهُ وَحُجَجُ اللَّهِ (علیهم‌السّلام).... اَ لَمْ یَنْسُبُوا سَیِّدَ الْاَوْصِیَاءِ (علیهم‌السّلام) اِلَی اَنَّهُ کَانَ یَطْلُبُ الدُّنْیَا وَالْمُلْکَ ...... اَ لَمْ یَنْسُبُوهُ اِلَی اَنَّهُ (علیه‌السّلام) اَرَادَ اَنْ یَتَزَوَّجَ ابْنَةَ اَبِی جَهْلٍ عَلَی فَاطِمَةَ (علیهاالسّلام) وَاَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ (صلی‌الله‌علیه‌و‌آله‌وسلّم) شَکَاهُ عَلَی الْمِنْبَرِ اِلَی الْمُسْلِمِینَ فَقَالَ اِنَّ عَلِیّاً یُرِیدُ اَنْ یَتَزَوَّجَ ابْنَةَ عَدُوِّ اللَّهِ عَلَی ابْنَةِ نَبِیِّ اللَّهِ اَلَا اِنَّ فَاطِمَةَ بَضْعَةٌ مِنِّی فَمَنْ آذَاهَا فَقَدْ آذَانِی وَمَنْ سَرَّهَا فَقَدْ سَرَّنِی وَمَنْ غَاظَهَا فَقَدْ غَاظَنِی.» [13] . Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Bakr, Vol: 6, P: 38. [14] . Al-Imamah wal-Siyasah: Al-Dinawari, Ibn Qutaybah, Vol: 1, P: 31 / Sahih al-Bukhari: Al-Bukhari, Vol: 4, P: 79.