The Foundations of Al-Shahristani's Intuitive Exegeses in Mafatih Al-Asrar

Mafatih Al-Asrar wa Masabih Al-Abrar is among the unique exegeses of the 6th century of Hegira with a theological orientation, which characterizes the Ismaili sect. This exegesis, which remains unfinished, is a traditional one whose style of interpretation is ordinal rather than thematic; it is in Arabic and the tone it adopts is that of the people of the Great Khorasan. It is among the few works which reflect the mystical exegesis method of this religious school in an acceptable way in the 6th century. The significance of this enterprise is due to the theological character of its exegete and the distinguishing characteristics of his exegesis. His method of exegesis is based upon some particular principles which are lacking in the similar ones. On the one hand, it is theologically orientated and is concerned with the criticism of the Asharites and the Mutazila and on the other hand, it is an intuitive exegesis, which is similar to mystical exegeses, and which is carried out in terms of unraveling the mysteries and other layers of the Quran. The author initially gives an account of the life and works of Al-Shahristani; and then he considers the bases of the tradition of Tawil, intellectual context and some instances of of his intuitive interpretation; and ultimately he concerns himself with general considerations on introducing Al-Shahristani's exegesis, his sources and methodology, and the characteristics of his exegesis.