A Comparative Exegesis regarding “Nūr” in Verse 158 of the al-Aʿraaf Chapter according to Abul Futuh Razi and Other Exegetes

Verse 158 of the al-Aʿraaf Chapter speaks of a light that has been revealed with the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household). Many exegetes believe that al-nūr refers to the Holy Quran in this verse and some exegetes have suggested other views that are as follows: the talking Quran; the Holy Quran; Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and other Imams, and wilayah (mastership). These views each have their own issues and moreover, none of them can provide a suitable answer to the question of why the word maʿah (with/in addition to) has come with the word inzāl (bringing down). However, the interpretation that Abul Futuh Razi has presented for this part of the verse is different from other interpretations. He considers this light to be Imam Ali (peace be upon him). in this paper, the views of the exegetes will be presented, evaluated, and critiqued and it will be shown that Abul Futuh Razi’s exegesis of the mentioned verse does not require justification and interpretation in contrast to that of other exegetes.