Hadith of Proximity in Supererogation, its Conceptology and Application in Tafsīr-i Tasnīm

One of the most eminent mystical manifestations of Tafsīr-i Tasnīm is its frequent reference to the Divine hadith of qurb-i nawāfil (proximity in supererogation). Very popular among the mystics and people of spirit, this hadith is based on the concept that man is loved by God as a result of performing supererogatory acts and thereby the Exalted God undertakes his perceptive and motive channels. Through study of the most important instances of the interpreter’s reference to the above-mentioned hadith and comparing it with another kind of the reference of the interpretations, especially the mystical interpretations, this research is intended to show its sublime status in Tasnīm as one of its most significant narrational and mystical manifestations; a manifestation in which the Islamic mystical principles presented on the basis of sound tradition. Accurate explanation of the verses’ intentions, solution to the exegetical complexities, and response to some of the misconceptions concerning the infallibility of the Prophets and Imams (peace be upon them) by invoking the hadith of qurb-i nawāfil are among the instances of the application of this hadith in Tafsīr-i Tasnīm.