Subject-Index of Tafsir Tibyan

About Subject-Index of Tafsir Tibyan

Compiling a thematic dictionary of the Holy Quran has long been a cherished aspiration for Quranic scholars. The Quran Department at the Computer Research Center for Islamic Sciences believed that realizing this aspiration required gaining practical experience that would itself serve as a model for a thematic dictionary tailored to the Quran. Accordingly, a proposal was made to develop a thematic dictionary for two exegeses: one by an early scholar and another by a contemporary scholar. After extensive review, "Tafsir al-Tibyan" by Sheikh al-Tusi (385–460 AH) was selected to represent the early scholars, and "Tafsir al-Mizan" by Allamah Tabatabai (1281–1361 SH) to represent the later scholars. Initially, the process of creating the thematic dictionary for *Tafsir al-Tibyan* was commenced.

Undoubtedly, completing and producing these two thematic dictionaries of exegesis will provide researchers with practical and scientific experience, enabling them to approach a thematic dictionary of the Quran with a realistic horizon.

A. The Importance of Tafsir al-Tibyan

Al-Tibyan is the first comprehensive and all-encompassing Shia exegesis, addressing various fields of Quranic sciences such as recitations (Qira'at), linguistics, grammar (I'rab), reasons for revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul), structure (Nazm), abrogating and abrogated verses (Nasikh wa Mansukh), clear and ambiguous verses (Muhkam wa Mutashabih), and more, in an eloquent and precise manner.

This exegesis is the most extensive Shia commentary, dedicated to refuting opposing beliefs and proving the theological and jurisprudential views of the Imamiyyah (Twelver Shia). Before Sheikh al-Tusi, Imami scholars had not authored an exegesis encompassing all Quranic discussions. He took the first step by writing Al-Tibyan, thus earning the title of the leader and Imam of Shia exegetes.

Sheikh al-Tusi strove to adopt a complete methodology in exegesis; hence, the comprehensive discussions in Al-Tibyan include linguistics, recitations, interpretation, grammar, reasons for revelation, and structure, presented without specific technical headings or an overt organizational system.

B. An Overview of the Exegetical Methodology of Al-Tibyan

* Linguistics and Derivation:

Each section employs a specific method for presenting content, reflecting the exegete's mastery of those sciences. For instance, in the discussion of linguistics and derivation—an essential knowledge for any exegete—authentic linguistic sources were utilized. Linguistic discussions, particularly in the early Surahs, were given special prominence, to the extent that some, perhaps hastily, might label this exegesis as purely linguistic.

In this section, synonyms of the term under discussion are first mentioned, followed by its antonyms. Then, derivatives and various meanings of the word are recalled, and finally, the phrase "wa asl al-bab" (the root of the chapter) points to the original meaning of the word used in the verse. In many cases, distinctions between relevant words are highlighted. Subsequently, for linguistic interpretation and clarification, the author employs analogy, citation of verses, hadiths, poetry, and Arab proverbs—a feature prominently displayed in Al-Tibyan.

This comprehensiveness is mirrored in other discussions as well.

From the Sheikh's introduction, it is evident that he favors a comprehensive exegesis incorporating various Quranic sciences and arts, avoiding both tedious verbosity and detrimental brevity, without neglecting non-exegetical matters.

The comprehensiveness of the exegesis is explained through two axes:

1. The method of presenting and organizing Quranic disciplines (such as linguistics, recitations, meaning, and grammar), which is generally observable throughout Al-Tibyan.

2. A foundational approach to responding to the theological views of various sects, such as the Mu'tazila, Jabriyya (Ash'aris), Mushabbiha, Mujassima, Khawarij, Jews, Christians, and others.

* Interpreting the Quran by the Quran and Narrations:

Sheikh al-Tusi extensively utilized the method of "interpreting the Quran by the Quran," paying close attention to the context (Siyaq) of verses and using contextual clues and rational argumentation to explain matters. He recounts exegetical narrations in various instances and occasionally addresses the opinions of the Companions and Successors (Tabi'un); if these do not conflict with the Quran or established rational rulings, he accepts them or remains silent. In jurisprudential discussions, he cites relevant narrations, raises subsidiary issues and rulings, notes the opinions of the four Sunni schools of thought (critiquing some), and then states the Imami viewpoint using phrases like "wa 'indana" (and according to us) or "wa fi madhhabina" (and in our school).

He also transmits exegetical debates from post-Tabi'un exegetes (such as al-Tabari and al-Jubba'i), evaluating, refuting, or preferring them. Due to the availability of al-Tabari's exegesis, Sheikh al-Tusi effectively utilized the exegetical narrations and opinions found in Jami' al-Bayan, though he often attributed them directly to the Companions and Successors, critiquing and validating them (Jarh wa Ta'dil) more extensively than al-Tabari did.

* Theological Discussions (Kalam):

In theological discussions, Sheikh al-Tusi pursues two goals: refutation and affirmation. He outlines the foundations of Shia theological beliefs in the aspect of affirmation, while largely addressing the views of the Ash'aris and Mu'tazila in the aspect of refutation, avoiding any incorrect or irrational interpretations. The noble exegete's motivation for raising theological issues was to use the Holy Quran as a defensive lever to invalidate theological sects (including Mu'tazila, Ash'aris, and their followers). This is because they (especially the Ash'aris) subordinated the Quran to their own doctrinal views, basing their theological school on apparent meanings that suited them and ambiguous verses.

In pursuit of this general goal, he addresses theological issues both directly and indirectly. Often, such discussions in non-theological verses are separate from the core interpretation of the verse; in some cases, the derivation of implications and theological usage of verses to refute a point are mentioned very subtly and precisely, which is a noteworthy aspect of such discussions.

It is well-known that he transmits the theological opinions of scholars (mostly Mu'tazilites) alongside Sheikh al-Tusi's own views, employing a dialectical method of question and answer.

The general axis of Sheikh al-Tusi's theological refutations is directed against the Ash'aris and their affiliated sects, including the Mujassima, Mushabbiha, and Hashwiyya, which may constitute about 80% of the refutations. A smaller percentage is dedicated to refuting certain Mu'tazilite views on issues such as immorality (Fisq), disbelief (Kufr), promise and threat, repentance, punishment and reward, and the nullification of deeds (Ihbat).

More than nine other theological sects were also criticized and refuted by the Sheikh, including the Murji'ah, Khawarij, Karramiyya, Ghulat (extremists), Tanasukhiyya (believers in reincarnation), etc.

The Selection of Al-Tibyan

These features prompted the Quran Department at the Computer Research Center for Islamic Sciences to include this exegesis in its agenda to better communicate its content and methodology. Since the thematic method is one of the best approaches for extracting and systematically presenting information, it was decided to study the materials and discussions of Al-Tibyan page by page, and even line by line, with precision, presenting them in the form of appropriate topics (as text summaries) that are clear and comprehensive.

C. Stages of Creating the Thematic Dictionary of Tafsir al-Tibyan

The execution of this project was defined in five main stages:

1. Topic extraction from the text.

2. Indexing of topics.

3. Breaking down indices into single words (keywords) and harmonizing them.

4. Root derivation of single words.

5. Side systems including: Commonalities, Synonyms, and Related terms in single words.

It is worth noting that control and evaluation are conducted at all stages.

* Stage One: Topic Extraction

In the first stage, the ten volumes of Tafsir al-Tibyan were summarized. The number of these summaries, later termed "topics," is 31,910 titles, averaging 5 summaries per verse.

The general principle in topic extraction—"reading the text accurately, summarizing it, presenting the general topic at the beginning of each segment, and then the sub-topics in such a way that no important point remains without a topic"—was observed. However, due to the diversity and specialized nature of Al-Tibyan's discussions, it was decided to apply this principle fully to interpretative statements and everything related to the interpretation of verses. In non-exegetical discussions, efforts were made to present the topic generally, while details were included in the index.

Accordingly:

1. Linguistic, literary, rhetorical, and recitation discussions: Only those relevant to the interpretation and understanding of the verse and emphasized by the author were topic-extracted; details were placed in the index.

2. Theological, social, and historical discussions: Those related to verse interpretation were detailed, while independent discussions were summarized generally, with details included in the index.

3. Narrative discussions (including exegetical narrations, reasons for revelation, and others): The primary principle is to include each narration in a general topic, unless it includes matters related to verse interpretation or is too long to summarize its key concepts in a single topic. In such cases, details of the narrations not included in the topic appear in the index, and key concepts present in the narration text but omitted from the general topic are indexed.

4. Terminology existing in the verses and text was preserved in the topics as much as possible.

This stage was carried out manually on pre-designed cards (including: topic, index, page number, and the start of the line from which the topic was extracted), with topics aimed to be between 60 and 160 characters. Each researcher's topics were controlled and evaluated by another researcher regarding content comprehension and literary form.

* Stage Two: Indexing

In this stage, the main axes of each topic were determined as compound, two-part entries called "Index." With 61,029 non-repetitive indices and over 135,000 repetitive indices recorded, it is evident that each topic was assigned an average of 4 indices.

The general principle in indexing is "presenting all key concepts of the topic or the text from which the topic was extracted as a compound index."

The following points in indexing are deemed necessary:

1. Efforts were made to ensure the index does not exceed two words, unless a combination of two or more words constitutes a single word (such as proper nouns, compound names, and possessive constructions indicating a specific term or meaning), or if a single word was not considered for the term (such as "absence" or "negation").

2. Verses cited in the text but where the topic falls under the main verse were recorded in the index section of the cards by Surah and verse number.

3. Simultaneously with controlling topics, indices were evaluated for literary quality and minimum harmonization.

4. Efforts were made to preserve the terminology of the text and verses in the index and to observe distinctions between near-synonymous words. For example, in linguistic interpretation, "Meaning of such-and-such" is used; in non-linguistic interpretation or the opinion of exegetes, "Interpretation of such-and-such"; and in defining a specific term, "Definition of such-and-such."

5. Items specified in the text but not stated in the topic appear in the index, such as names of places and days, proponents of opinions, book titles, etc.

6. Since topic extraction in non-exegetical discussions focuses on generality, efforts were made to include text details in the index so that all text content is presented to the user.

* Stage Three: Single-Word Breakdown of Indices and Harmonization

In this stage, the most critical words and terms for each index were recorded under the name "Keywords." These words represent the most central titles of each topic. Although they are registered in the final stage of production, they form the first step in the retrieval and research path. In any research, one must identify the most critical and terminological axis of the request, search for it in the keyword list, and upon finding the desired keyword, select it to access a list of indices. These indices, due to having additional qualifiers, divide the total material related to that keyword into smaller groups. By selecting one or more desired titles, a list of topics extracted from the exegesis text appears; selecting any of these directs the user to the address and text in Al-Tibyan.

The number of repetitive keywords in Tafsir al-Tibyan, exceeding 278,000, indicates the variety of retrieval paths for materials from the exegesis. This vast number is included within 11,821 non-repetitive terms in the keyword list, clearly demonstrating a high level of vocabulary harmonization.

The general principle is converting parts of each index into single words, with the following necessary points:

1. Words deemed unnecessary to preserve, such as "absence" and "negation" (meaning privation), are not converted into single words.

2. Compound words, such as proper nouns, specific names, and compound terms (e.g., Al-Bayt Al-Haram, Al 'Imran, Ayat Al-Ahkam) considered single words in the index, are also presented as compounds in the single-word stage.

3. Words whose meanings differ based on vowel marks (diacritics) while having the same written form had their diacritics expressed in the single-word stage (e.g., al-mithl, al-mathal, al-muthul). Uniform orthography must be observed.

Then, the harmonization stage begins, carried out in two steps:

1. Harmonization of Topics: Since topics were extracted based on the extractor's discretion and taste, and after multiple controls aimed to reflect the text's concept easily, complete harmonization was not deemed essential. Instead, efforts were made to achieve significant harmonization by keeping topics between 60 and 160 characters and re-evaluating them for content and appearance.

2. Harmonization of Indices: Unlike topics, harmonization between indices is considered essential. Thus, harmonization was performed in several stages:

- Indices with more than two single words were reviewed and, if possible, divided into two or more indices to facilitate harmonization while maintaining the two-word structure.

- Controlling and reviewing each index individually regarding content and form, with left-and-right alignment, leading to consistency among indices with the same content and their literary and methodological editing.

- Conducting specific tests, such as: testing common indices under one topic, testing the most repeated single word under one topic, testing general vs. specific relations, and testing indices formed from two different words sharing the same root (this test is performed after rooting the single words).

To create harmonization between topics and indices in the first two stages (which were done manually), numerous sessions were held to discuss problems and special cases of topic extraction, and a specific regulation was drafted. This achieved considerable harmonization, accelerating the process in this stage.

* Stage Four: Root Derivation

After reviewing single words and finalizing their orthography, we enter this stage. The list of keyword roots is a feature of the program's side system, aiding researchers in accessing the preferred form of terms and their derivatives.

Single words can be divided into four groups based on their root:

- Single-root: A single word having a specific meaning or multiple meanings, for which linguists have mentioned only one root.

- Multi-root: A single word with different meanings where each meaning has a different root, or linguists have mentioned multiple roots for it. For example, Al-Mala'ikah (Angels) has roots: Malak, La'ak, Alak.

- Rootless: A single word that is a proper noun; the single word itself is listed in the root section with a special marker. Of course, if the single word has two usages (i.e., it is a proper noun and also used as a derived term with a specific meaning), then both the root and the single word are considered.

- Compound Root: If a single word is a compound term or compound noun, the root of both parts is mentioned together. If it is a proper noun, both the single word and the root are considered.

Examples: Ashab al-Yamin = Sahaba + Yamin; Al-Masjid al-Haram = Sajada + Haram.

It is noted that after completing the root derivation stage, a test of indices with common roots under one topic is executed to ensure harmonization.

* Stage Five: Side Systems (Commonalities, Synonyms, and Related Terms)

Since a thematic dictionary is conceptual and meaning-oriented, the multiplicity of word meanings and the indication of multiple terms for a single meaning necessitated the compilation of commonality and synonym systems. In the Commonality System, each word is separated into the various meanings it may denote in the current program. In the Synonym System, words with a single meaning are automatically referred to a reference word.

Precision in registering keywords, while preventing the equating of different concepts with subtle semantic differences, necessitated the establishment of a Related Terms System to link such words.

1. Synonym System:

The general principle for synonyms is "providing famous synonyms for each single word not present in the keyword list (if present, it is converted to a famous concept and linked to the topic via synonyms)." This is divided into optional and mandatory synonyms. In the Mandatory Synonym column, other titles for the single word that differ in form but match in referent are listed (this is more evident in proper nouns; e.g., the keyword "Ibn Sina" has the mandatory synonym "Al-Shaykh Al-Ra'is Abu Ali Sina"...). In the Optional Synonym column, all famous synonyms of the single word not in the list are provided. A total of 2,272 synonyms were applied in this program.

2. Related Terms System:

In the "Related Terms" column, all single words existing in the list that are connected to the target word in one of the following ways are included:

- Divisions and Co-divisions: If a single word has divisions or is a co-division of another, all are included. E.g., Al-'Ilm (Knowledge): Al-Huduri (Presential), Al-Husuli (Acquired).

- Synonyms and Antonyms: All synonyms, antonyms, and opposites present in the list are included. E.g., Al-Ihsan (Benevolence): Al-Isa'ah (Malevolence), Al-Birr (Righteousness).

- Whole and Parts: Parts are listed under the whole, and the whole under the parts. E.g., Al-Salah (Prayer): Al-Ruku', Al-Sujud, Al-Qira'ah...

- Universal and Individuals: Individuals are listed under the universal, and the universal under the individuals. E.g., in the related terms for Al-Anbiya (The Prophets), the names of prophets in the list are mentioned.

- Interpreter and Interpreted: Interpretations of the single word are included (requiring reference to single-word indices).

- Derivatives: Derivatives of the single word, if present in the list, are considered related terms.

- Others: If there is a specific and conventional connection between two single words not fitting the above categories, it is considered a related term. E.g., Al-Anbiya: Al-'Ismah (Infallibility), Al-Wahy (Revelation).

- Reasons for Revelation and Recitations: The single word "Asbab al-Nuzul" is a related term for proper nouns regarding which a verse was revealed. Also, "Al-Qira'at" is included as a related term for words with variant recitations.

This program contains 85,693 connections.

3. Commonalities System:

In the "Commonalities" column, all single words in the list that share a verbal form with the target word are distinguished from apparent homonyms through diacritical marks or meaning explanations in parentheses. By stating their meanings, the semantic circle of that word is separated from others. This system contains 2,142 commonalities.

In conclusion, the Thematic Dictionary of Al-Tibyan was completed with 31,910 topics, 61,029 non-repetitive indices (and over 135,000 repetitive indices), 11,821 non-repetitive single words (and over 278,000 repetitive single words).