Abstract

The discussion about the heirs of the Book and the necessity of adhering to the explanatory tradition of the Prophet (PBUH) in understanding this noble scripture requires a logical structure. This is established in verses 31-33 of Surah Fatir, which serve as the Qur'anic foundation for the theological concept of inheritance. According to the apparent meanings of these verses, the inheritance of the Qur'an has been granted to a specific group of servants. Regarding the identification of the chosen heirs, there are different approaches among Islamic sects. Specifically, the majority of Ahl al-Sunnah consider the heirs to be the generality of the Prophets, while the Shiites attribute this designation specifically to the Imam (AS). Many of these views are influenced by theological perspectives and attention to the interpretive narrations found in the narrative-exegetical sources concerning verse 32 of Surah Fatir. Therefore, this research, considering the role of interpretive narrations in accurately understanding the meanings of the verses, seeks to examine the question of which of the two approaches regarding the inheritance of the Qur'an is supported by the evaluation of the interpretive narrations from both sects. This writing aims to address the gap in studies related to the analysis of interpretive narrations under verse 32 of Fatir, evaluating the existing propositions in the sources of both sects based on the criteria of hadith criticism. Through a descriptive-analytical method, it concludes that the narrations indicating the generality of heirs do not possess sufficient authenticity and implication. Despite the weaknesses in the chains of narrations suggesting the exclusivity of inheritance pertaining to the Ahl al-Bayt, the verses, narrations, and rational certainties collectively provide grounds for accepting the second-category narrations.