A Comparative Study of Paraphrase in  Saafi and  Quran Exegeses

In mystical and traditional exegeses the word paraphrase is of essential importance. Among traditional exegeses, Feyz Kashani’s Exegesis is important for its inclusion of paraphrases offered by the Holy Shia Imams and some of Feyz’s own paraphrases are of special importance. Among mystical exegeses, too, Ibn ‘Arabi’s exegesis includes paraphrases relying on mystical paraphrases. Comparing these two works focusing on concepts and methods can clarify the meaning of this act in both areas. In the mentioned exegeses, sometimes because of methodological similarity in studying the meaning of a Quranic verses or ayahs, the paraphrases are similar. However, in most other cases, there are essential differences between the paraphrases. This article attempts to study Ibn ‘Arabi’s and Feyz’s approach to paraphrasing both in theory and practice; thereby introducing the similarities and differences.