A Comparative Study of the Arguments of the Theory "The Semantic Expansion of the Qur’ān's Words" From the Viewpoints of Fayḍ Kāshānī and ‘Allāma Ṭabāṭabā’ī

The theory of "Semantic Expansion of the Qur'an" which has been known as the "gist of meaning", imparts such expansive meaning to the wording due to the abstractness of the material and sensible affairs that would consider many of its rational and non-sensible applications as truth. Negligence of studying the arguments of this theory has caused various misunderstandings by researchers. In this article, the arguments of two of the greatest providers of this theory, i.e., Fayḍ and Ṭabāṭabā’ī, are examined. None of these two thinkers has attributed this theory to the prohibition of permitted application in the Qur'an or conformity of realms. Despite their difference in expressing the theory and the arguments raised, both thinkers are common in attributing this theory to the rational reasons and the external aspects of some texts of the verses and narrations. It is revealed from the arguments expressed by them that this theory is common in only some words used in the verses and narrations and that the objections raised by some to the credit of applying this theory in all words, would not be justified.