The Critical Analysis of Sunni and Shi’ite Exegetical Views on the 44th Verse of Surah “Sad”

One of the eminent prophets whose name is mentioned in several Qur’an verses is Prophet Job (PBUH). Some controversial issues related to this holy prophet have been raised in Sunni and Shi’ite exegeses; for instance, the interpretations regarding the 44th verse of Surah “Sad”. By using the descriptive and analytical method, the present study aims to critically review the Sunni and Shi’ite exegetical views on the interpretation of the 44th verse of Surah “Sad”. The results of the study indicate that 2 important arguments about this Qur’anic verse are under discussion between Sunni and Shi’ite scholars and commentators: first, the reason of swear and the person who is hit; second, the jurisprudential usage of the verse. As for the first argument, the interpretation of the verse points to the swear of Prophet Job (PBUH) to hit his wife and the punishment mitigation ordered by God but the purpose of swear by the Prophet and his wife’s fault are not explicitly mentioned for the sake of respect and decency. As for the potential of jurisprudential usage of the verse, the Islamic jurists and commentators have proposed 4 jurisprudential perceptions including “the punishment of a sick adulteress”, “the swear of a master to punish his servant”, “hitting a wife who is not obstinately disobedient”, and “the permission of religious deceit”. There are various fallacies against all the above interpretations indicating that the circumstances in this verse relate to a particular condition specially for the case of Prophet Job (PBUH) so it does not involve other religions or persons.