A Topical Index of "Al-Tibyan" and "Al-Mizan".

About A Topical Index of "Al-Tibyan" and "Al-Mizan".

Program Definition:

The Topical Index (Mu'jam Mawdu'i) of the exegeses "Al-Tibyan" and "Al-Mizan" is a comprehensive list of keywords, indices, and topics from Sheikh Tusi's "Al-Tibyan" and Allamah Tabatabai's "Al-Mizan".

In the keywords section, corrections of errors, removal of duplicates, and necessary harmonization have been applied to indices, roots, related terms, and synonyms.

This program represents a new exegetical research project in which the physical and content-based merging of the two topical indices of "Al-Tibyan" and "Al-Mizan" has been accomplished.

Importance of Al-Tibyan Exegesis:

"Al-Tibyan" is the first comprehensive and all-encompassing Shia exegesis, addressing various topics of Quranic sciences such as recitations (Qira'at), linguistics, grammar (I'rab), reasons for revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul), structure, abrogation (Naskh), clear and ambiguous verses (Muhkam and Mutashabih), etc., with precision and independent reasoning (Ijtihad).

This is the most extensive Shia exegesis, dedicated to refuting the beliefs of opponents and proving the theological and jurisprudential views of the Imamiyyah. Before Sheikh Tusi, Imami scholars had not authored a comprehensive exegesis covering most topics of exegesis and Quranic sciences. He took the first step by writing "Al-Tibyan"; therefore, he can be considered the leader and Imam of Shia exegetes.

Given that Sheikh Tusi's goal was to provide a comprehensive exegesis of the Quran, he strove to adopt a complete methodology. Thus, the comprehensive topics in "Al-Tibyan" can be summarized as follows:

1. Presentation of linguistic discussions and morphological derivations from authentic sources.
2. Utilization of the method of interpreting the Quran by the Quran and by narrations (Riwayah).
3. Critique and examination of the exegetical views of scholars such as Al-Tabari, Al-Jubba'i, and others.
4. Raising theological issues of the Shia school supported by evidence and argumentation.
5. Responding to deviant theological views of various sects, such as the Mu'tazila, Jabriyya (Ash'aris), Mushabbiha, Mujassima, Khawarij, Jews, Christians, and others.

These features in "Al-Tibyan" prompted the Quran Group to include it in their agenda to better inform users about its content and exegetical method. Since the topical method is one of the best existing methods for extracting information and presenting it in an organized and useful manner, it was decided to study its content and discussions page by page, and even line by line, with precision, and present them in the form of appropriate topics (as a summary of the text) that are clear and comprehensive.

Importance of Al-Mizan Exegesis:

The value and importance of the precious and significant "Al-Mizan" exegesis are hidden from no one. Briefly, its most prominent features can be found in the following points:

1. Employing the method of interpreting the Quran by the Quran.
2. The predominance of a spirit of moderation and balance accompanied by argumentative thinking.
3. Contemporaneity of the exegesis through responding to doubts and objections.
4. Presenting a social face of Islam by raising Islamic social issues.
5. Attention to the views of others along with critiquing them.
6. A topical approach to the discussions of the Holy Quran.

These features, along with the expansion and proliferation of discussions, have led to an abundance of content and its interweaving. Consequently, it becomes very difficult for a researcher to access desired material through Surahs and verses alone. This prompted us to pave the way for researchers using various information dissemination methods. Therefore, the Quran Group, drawing on the experience of the Topical Index of "Al-Tibyan," also placed the Topical Index of "Al-Mizan" on its agenda.

Program Features:

1. Utilization of machine harmonization with new tools.
2. Correction of errors, rectification of deficiencies, and removal of inconsistencies in the topical indices of "Al-Tibyan" and "Al-Mizan".
3. Production of a comprehensive database of keywords, indices, and exegetical topics for "Al-Tibyan" and "Al-Mizan", as well as auxiliary systems.
4. Presentation of the program with a new user interface for the Topical Index.
5. Saving time and cost for users.
6. Statistics: 12,584 keywords, 174,822 indices, 71,868 topics, 5,387 roots, 9,045 related terms, and 211 synonyms.