WHAT IS THE MEANING OF "MAULA" FROM THE SCHOLARS AND COMMENTATORS' POINT OF VIEW?

[Taqavi]

 

What is the meaning of "Maula" from the scholars and commentators' point of view?

 

It must be said that some notable lexicographers and commentators have considered the meaning of "Maula" is more worthy and deserving, or at least said it as one of its meaning which is indicated in specific contexts.

Kaa'bi understood it more worthy, as mentioned by Fakhr Razi under the verse "هي مولاكم وبئس المصير"[1]. He said that Kaa'bi believed "Maula" to be more worthy and deserving, and Zajjaj, Farraa', and Abu 'Ubaidah also interpreted it in the same way. Therefore, the meaning of the verse becomes: "The Fire is your abode, which is more worthy and deserving to you.[2]

Dhahabi mentioned about the personality of Muhammad bin Sa'ib al-Kalbi, who was a Kufian and an Akhbari person, is the author of Tafsir and is known by the title of Allamah. Ibn 'Adi has said about him: We do not know anyone's interpretation as extensive as Kalbi's interpretation.[3] About Farraa', it is narrated from Abu al-'Abbas Tha'lab that he said: If it wasn't for Farraa', Arab literature would have been destroyed. Because he was the one who kept it pure and wrote it.[4] Dhahabi also stated about Abu 'Ubaidah that Jahiz said about him: There was no one on earth more knowledgeable than Abu 'Ubaydah in all fields.[5]

Among other lexicographers who have interpreted the meaning of "Maula" in more worthy and deserving is Abu Bakr Anbari, who said: "Maula" means more deserving, and this statement of Allah " النار هي مولاکم"[6] It means that the fire is more deserving for you.[7] Abu al-Qasim Sahib bin 'Ubad al-Talaqani also took "Maula" in the same manner.[8]

Based on this, it can be said that from the perspective of lexicographers, "Maula" is understood as more worthy. Additionally, Alusi, who criticized the Shi'a on their interpretation of the meaning of "Maula," admitted in another part of his book that lexicographers have taken "Maula" as more worthy and deserving.[9] In various interpretations, under the verse "مأواكم النار هي مولاكم"[10], "Maula" is interpreted as more worthy and deserving.[11]

Now, what does "more worthy" mean in relation to the verse that states: "The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves"? Baghavi says that means all commands of the Prophet should be followed and obeyed, and if they desire something contrary to the Prophet's command, they should follow the Prophet's command.[12]

After examining the views of lexicographers and interpreters on the term "Maula," it is important to note that the Prophet of Allah himself has reiterated multiple times, "Am I not more deserving (Maula) to you than yourselves?" This indicates his precedence in obedience and leadership over the believers. Furthermore, it has been clarified in some instances that "Allah and His Messenger have more authority (Maula) over you," signifying their supremacy over individuals. This illustrates that the term "Maula" conveys the idea of being more worthy and rightful.[13] Therefore, the Prophet himself explained the concept of "Maula" to dispel any doubts or misunderstandings.

 

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[1] . Al Hadid: 15.

[2] . Tafsir al-Razi (Mufatih al-Gheeb or al-Tafsir al-Kabir); Al-Razi, Fakhr al-Din, Vol.: 29, p.: 459; Tafsir al-Baghwi - Ta Dar Tayiba; Al-Baghwi, Abu Muhammad, vol. 4, p. 57; Al-Bahr Al-Muhit fi Al-Tafsir, Abu Hayyan al-Andalsi, vol. 5, p. 433.

[3] . Tareekh Al-Islam - T Tadmeeri; Al-Dhahabi, Shams Al-Din, Vol: 9, P: 267.

[4] . Tareekh Baghdad T Bashshar ; Al-Khatib Al-Baghdadi, Vol: 16, P: 224.

[5] . Tadhkirat Al-Huffaz Tabaqat Al-Huffaz Ll-Dhahabi; Al-Dhahabi, Shams Al-Din, Vol: 1, P: 272.

[6] . Al Hadid: 15.

[7] . Al-Zahir Fi Ma’ani Kalimat Al-Nas; Ibn Al-Anbari, Vol: 1, P: 125.

[8] . Al-Muhit Fi Al-Lughah; Al-Sahib Ibn Abbad, Vol: 2, P: 468.

[9] . Tafsir Ruuh Al-Maani - T Dar Ihya’ Al-Turath; Al-Alousi, Shahab Al-Din, Vol: 27, P: 178.

[10] . Al Hadid: 15.

[11] . Tafsir Al-Quran Al-Karim; Al-Muqaddim, Muhammad Isma’il, Vol: 157, P: 8 - Al-Tafsir Al-Muneer; Al-Zuhayli, Wahbah, Vol: 27, P: 308 - Tafsir Al-Nasafi (Madarik Al-Tanzil Wa Haqaiq Al-Ta’wil); Al-Nasafi, Abu Al-Barakat, Vol: 3, P: 437 - Tafsir Al-Baydawi (Anwar Al-Tanzil Wa Asrar Al-Ta’wil); Al-Baydawi, Naser Al-Din, Vol: 5, P: 187 - Tafsir Al-Tabari (Jami’ Al-Bayan - T Hujr); Al-Tabari, Abu Ja’far, Vol: 22, P: 408 - Sahih Al-Bukhari; Al-Bukhari, Vol: 6, P: 146.

[12] . Tafsir Al-Baghawi - T Dar Tayyiba; Al-Baghawi, Abu Muhammad, Vol: 6, P: 318.

[13] . It’haaf Al-Khayrah Al-Muhrah Bizawaiid Al-Masaneed Al-Asharah; Al-Busiri, Vol: 7, P: 210.