Nature and reality of Quran

There is no question that Ayatollah Marefat (may God's mercy be upon him) is one of famous and ponderous jurisprudents and interpreters and in recent decades, his jurisprudence deep ideas and innovations and thoughts of Quran have been paid attention by religious scientific great parties of our era and he has had great and effective help in the movement of science production.
After Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him), he has granted fresh spirit to Quran researchers and his researches in areas of sciences and trains of Quran have been grace of the world of Shias.
In this article, the writer has dealt with new ideas of Ayatollah Marefat (may God's mercy be upon him) about the topic '' nature and reality of Quran'' and has compared his point of view with point of view of Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him).

Nature and reality of Quran

Is nature of Quran except statements that are available to us? This is a question whose answer is one of ideas Ayatollah Marefat (may God's mercy be upon him) in area of Quran research and it has been expressed in the criticism of the theory of Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him) and others.
We will analyze and explain this topic in three chapters:
Chapter 1: point of view of Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him);
Chapter 2: Point of view Ayatollah Marefat (may God's mercy be upon him);
Chapter 3: conclusion and comparison of two point of views.
Point of view of Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him) about reality of Quran
Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him) has expressed this topic in the interpretation of different verses in the book '' tafsir Ghim Al-Mizan''. Some of them will be mentioned:
a. Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him) expresses points about the following verse
''شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدخ ضعُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ''
''Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur´an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful''.
1. The word '' descending'' means coming down from a high point. Quran is a book that was descended to the prophet (peace of Allah be upon him and his descendants) by God. Therefore, God called it '' Quran''. At first, it could not be read by human because it was not within understanding of human. Then it could be read by human;
.'' إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ''
''We have made it a Qur´an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom''.
Therefore, this decree is for Quran and its parts.
2. Thinking about the above verse and other verses;
''وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ''
''By the Book that makes things clear''.
''إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ''
''We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil)''.
'' إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ''
''We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power''.
3. Sudden descending of Quran can be considered in two ways:
a. Sudden descending is for the whole book generally in spite of the fact that its each and every verses is descended gradually like rain falling in spite of the fact that it is fallen in drops, it is said
''إِنَّمَا مَثَلُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا كَمَاءٍ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَاخْتَلَطَ بِهِ نَبَاتُ الْأَرْضِ مِمَّا يَأْكُلُ النَّاسُ وَالْأَنْعَامُ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَخَذَتِ الْأَرْضُ زُخْرُفَهَا وَازَّيَّنَتْ وَظَنَّ أَهْلُهَا أَنَّهُمْ قَادِرُونَ عَلَيْهَا أَتَاهَا أَمْرُنَا لَيْلًا أَوْ نَهَارًا فَجَعَلْنَاهَا حَصِيدًا كَأَن لَّمْ تَغْنَ بِالْأَمْسِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ''
''The likeness of the life of the present is as the rain which We send down from the skies: by its mingling arises the produce of the earth- which provides food for men and animals: (It grows) till the earth is clad with its golden ornaments and is decked out (in beauty): the people to whom it belongs think they have all powers of disposal over it: There reaches it Our command by night or by day, and We make it like a harvest clean-mown, as if it had not flourished only the day before! thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who reflect''.
Therefore, it has been expressed about Quran
''كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ''
''(Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition''.
b. Quran descending is sudden because Quran has another reality that is beyond our common understanding;
''و إما لکون الکتاب ذا حقيقة اُخري وراء ما نفهمه بالفهم العادي''
According to the reality, Quran is a unit and sudden affair and its descending is sudden rather than gradual.
The appearance of the verses of Quran is the second probability;
''كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ''
''A. L. R. (This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail,- from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things)''.
Since rules are against explanation and explanation means chapters in chapters and things into pieces and slices. Therefore, rules mean firmness without components and chapters. The above verse expresses clearly that the current explanation of Quran is after its rules. In other words, in the beginning, Quran was a unique reality that is without explanation.
The following verses are clearer than the mentioned verse;
''وَلَقَدْ جِئْنَاهُم بِكِتَابٍ فَصَّلْنَاهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ هُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ''
''For We had certainly sent unto them a Book, based on knowledge, which We explained in detail,- a guide and a mercy to all who believe''.
''هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا تَأْوِيلَهُ ۚ يَوْمَ يَأْتِي تَأْوِيلُهُ يَقُولُ الَّذِينَ نَسُوهُ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَاءَتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِالْحَقِّ فَهَل لَّنَا مِن شُفَعَاءَ فَيَشْفَعُوا لَنَا أَوْ نُرَدُّ فَنَعْمَلَ غَيْرَ الَّذِي كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ ۚ قَدْ خَسِرُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ''
''Do they just wait for the final fulfilment of the event? On the day the event is finally fulfilled, those who disregarded it before will say: "The messengers of our Lord did indeed bring true (tidings). Have we no intercessors now to intercede on our behalf? Or could we be sent back? then should we behave differently from our behaviour in the past." In fact they will have lost their souls, and the things they invented will leave them in the lurch''.
''وَمَا كَانَ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنُ أَن يُفْتَرَىٰ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَلَٰكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ مِن رَّبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ''
''This Qur´an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah; on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the worlds''
''أَمْ يَقُولُونَ افْتَرَاهُ ۖ قُلْ فَأْتُوا بِسُورَةٍ مِّثْلِهِ وَادْعُوا مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ''
''Or do they say, "He forged it"? say: "Bring then a Sura like unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides Allah, if it be ye speak the truth''.
''بَلْ كَذَّبُوا بِمَا لَمْ يُحِيطُوا بِعِلْمِهِ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِهِمْ تَأْوِيلُهُ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَانظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الظَّالِمِينَ''
''Nay, they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them: thus did those before them make charges of falsehood: but see what was the end of those who did wrong''.
It can be understood from the recent verses that matter of explanation and separation are affairs about Quran. Therefore, book of Quran is a thing and its explanation is something else. In fact, polytheists denied explanation of the book rather than book of Quran. They forgot what the explanation referred and they will understand it in the doomsday soon.
It should be said that the verse has poems in this meaning.
The following verses are clearer than the previous verses;
''وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ''
''By the Book that makes things clear''.
''إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ''
''We have made it a Qur´an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom)''.
''وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ''
''And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom''.
In the above verse, '' clear book'' has been defined as clear Quran in Arabic language;
'' فإنه ظاهر في أن هناک کتاباً مبيناً عرض عليه جعله مقرواً عربياً و إنما ألبس لباس القراءة و العربية ليعقله الناس و الا فإنه - و هو في ام الکتاب - عندالله علي لا يصعد اليه العقول، حکيم لايوجد فيه فصل و فصل و في الاية تعريف للکتاب المبين و أنه اصل القرآن العربي المبين''
It is expressed in the following sacred verses;
''فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِ''
''Furthermore I call to witness the setting of the Stars''.
''وَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَّوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ''
''And that is indeed a mighty adjuration if ye but knew''.
''إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ''
''That this is indeed a qur´an Most Honourable''.
''فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ''
''In Book well-guarded''.
''لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ''
''Which none shall touch but those who are clean?''
''تَنزِيلٌ مِّن رَّبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ''
''A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds''.
It can be understood from the above verses that there is a position for Quran and only immaculate persons can communicate with it. It is considered as '' mother of the book'' in Zokhrof Surah and as '' preserved board'' in Boruj Surah;
''وَالْيَوْمِ الْمَوْعُودِ''
''By the promised Day (of Judgment)''.
''وَشَاهِدٍ وَمَشْهُودٍ''
''By one that witnesses, and the subject of the witness''.
According to the above verse, the board is preserved because it has no change and it is clear that Quran that should be descended gradually should change.
Clear book that we consider as reality of the book is like a garment for a person that wants to wear it. Such an interpretation has been expressed in the following verses and other verses.
''وَالْيَوْمِ الْمَوْعُودِ''
''By the promised Day (of Judgment)''.
''وَشَاهِدٍ وَمَشْهُودٍ''
''By one that witnesses, and the subject of the witness''.
This point has caused that we consider the following verses as sudden descending of reality of the book and the clear book to the prophet (peace of Allah be upon him and his descendants);
''شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ''
''Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur´an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful''.
''إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ''
''We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil)''.
''إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ''
''We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power''.
Hence, thinking about the verses of Quran, we can understand that Quran that descended the messenger of God (peace of Allah be upon him and his descendants) gradually depends on exalted reality that human mind cannot understand it and false thoughts cannot achieve it. The reality is that Quran descended to the messenger of God (peace of Allah be upon him and his descendants) and God trained his purpose from the book to the prophet (peace of Allah be upon him and his descendants) through intermediate of the reality that descended him gradually.
''هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ ۖ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ ۗ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ''
''He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding''.
Deceased Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him) has dealt with the discussed topic in two dependent matters about the interpretation in relation to the interpretation of the sacred verse;
''ما معني التأويل؟ هل يعلم تأويل القرآن غير الله سبحانه''?
In fact, remark of God is in examples that mind of listeners can understand purpose of a talker so that the matter can be clear within understanding of a listener. God states
''وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ''
''By the Book that makes things clear''.
''إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ''
''We have made it a Qur´an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom)''.
''وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ''
''And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom''.
Hence, interpretation of Quran is external realities that verses of Quran refer to the realities in trains and other statements. And if the realities change, its trains about the contents of the verses will change as well.
Therefore, the discussed verse has perfection of adaptability with the verses of Zokhrof Surah because this verse makes you understand that the descended Quran in God has more exalted and firmer affair than minds of human can understand it. Therefore, since exalted God has attention to his persons, he has made it readable in Arabic Language so that human could understand whatever has been in Om Al-Ketab. Om Al-Ketan has been mentioned in the following verses
''يَمْحُو اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاءُ وَيُثْبِتُ ۖ وَعِندَهُ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ''
''Allah doth blot out or confirm what He pleaseth: with Him is the Mother of the Book''.
'' بَلْ هُوَ قُرْآنٌ مَّجِيدٌ''
''Day, this is a Glorious Qur´an''
''فِي لَوْحٍ مَّحْفُوظٍ''
''(''(Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved
''كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ''
''A. L. R. (This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail,- from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things)''.
According to the above two verses, purpose from the rules of the book of God is that this book is a united affair in God and purpose from the word '' detailed account'' is that Quran is descended to the prophet ( peace of Allah be upon him and his descendants) chapters in chapters, surah's and verses.
The following sacred verse refers to this meaning and the second rank (detailed account);
''وَقُرْآنًا فَرَقْنَاهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلَىٰ مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَاهُ تَنزِيلًا''
''(It is) a Qur´an which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages''.
Moreover, it can be understood from the above verse that Quran was not in verses in God, but it was united and was descended to the prophet (peace of Allah be upon him and his descendants) in verses and little by little.
It should be also said that the word '' Quran'' in the above verse is different from our Quran that in meaning of verses.
In conclusion, it can be understood from all of the verses that Quran that is available to us, read and interpret it is another affair. It is same affair that God has considered it as '' sagacious book'' and all trains of Quran and its contents depend on it.
The real meaning of interoperation in the discused verse is that common people cannot understand it;
''إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ''
''That this is indeed a qur´an Most Honourable''.
''فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ''
''In Book well-guarded''.
''لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ''
''Which none shall touch but those who are clean?''
Whatever was expressed was remark of deceased Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him) about reality of Quran.
The second chapter: point of view of Marefat (may God's mercy be upon him) reality of Quran
Point of view of Ayatollah Marefat (may God's mercy be upon him) about this topic '' nature and reality of Quran is in contrast with point of view of Ayatollah Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him).
After Ayatollah Marefat (may God's mercy be upon him) criticizes remark of Allame Tabatabei (may God's mercy be upon him) interpretation and reality of Quran, he says '' if his purpose from interpretation is same statement about the following verse, according to custom of Quran, interpretation is a reality that rules, benefits and the considered destinations refer to the reality;
'' وَأَمَّا الْجِدَارُ فَكَانَ لِغُلَامَيْنِ يَتِيمَيْنِ فِي الْمَدِينَةِ وَكَانَ تَحْتَهُ كَنزٌ لَّهُمَا وَكَانَ أَبُوهُمَا صَالِحًا فَأَرَادَ رَبُّكَ أَن يَبْلُغَا أَشُدَّهُمَا وَيَسْتَخْرِجَا كَنزَهُمَا رَحْمَةً مِّن رَّبِّكَ ۚ وَمَا فَعَلْتُهُ عَنْ أَمْرِي ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَأْوِيلُ مَا لَمْ تَسْطِع عَّلَيْهِ صَبْرًا ''
''As for the wall, it belonged to two youths, orphans, in the Town; there was, beneath it, a buried treasure, to which they were entitled: their father had been a righteous man: So thy Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength and get out their treasure - a mercy (and favour) from thy Lord. I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of (those things) over which thou wast unable to hold patience''.
It is clear from the above statement that he has considered two suppositions for Quran:
1. The appearance of the words and phrases form famous conceptions and it is Quran that is recited and taught and has been with people since beginning of the Islam and they have close relationship with it.
2. Inner existence is basic real existence and it is not available to rules and this exalted real existence is same interpretation of Quran and its main reference.
Referring to verses and narrations, he has considered two kinds of descending for Quran: sudden descending and gradual descending. Sudden descending is same reality that is beyond common understanding of human and is like soul for Quran that descended gradually.
Descended Quran in Ramadan Month is to guide human;
''شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ''
''Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur´an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful''.
It is clear that guidance is to same book that was common among people not the book preserved in God in a high place that is not at sight of people. Therefore, the remark of Allame Tabatabaei (may God's mercy be upon him) '' interpretation is not from conceptions but from exalted objective affairs'' does not have any meanings for us.
Descending has been applied about gradual affairs in Quran;
''الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ فِرَاشًا وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقًا لَّكُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا لِلَّهِ أَندَادًا وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ''
''Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith Fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth)''.
''هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ ۖ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ ۗ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ''
''He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding''.
''أَفَغَيْرَ اللَّهِ أَبْتَغِي حَكَمًا وَهُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكِتَابَ مُفَصَّلًا ۚ وَالَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ مُنَزَّلٌ مِّن رَّبِّكَ بِالْحَقِّ ۖ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْمُمْتَرِينَ''
''Say: "Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail." They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt''.
Descending has been applied about sudden descending in Quran;
''وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ الْقُرْآنُ جُمْلَةً وَاحِدَةً ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِ فُؤَادَكَ ۖ وَرَتَّلْنَاهُ تَرْتِيلًا''
''Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Qur´an revealed to him all at once? Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen thy heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well-arranged stages, gradually''.
''بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالزُّبُرِ ۗ وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ''
(''We sent them) with Clear Signs and Books of dark prophecies; and We have sent down unto thee (also) the Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought''.
In conclusion, whatever has been expressed about gradual and sudden descending about Quran is without reasons and does not need discussion.
Imam Sadeq (peace be upon him) states about the interpretation of the following sacred verse
''يَمْحُو اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاءُ وَيُثْبِتُ ۖ وَعِندَهُ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ''
''Allah doth blot out or confirm what He pleaseth: with Him is the Mother of the Book''.
''کل امر يريده الله فهو في علمه قبل أن يصنعه و ليس شيء يبدو له الا و قد کان في علمه''
''وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ''
''And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom''.
Purpose from the word '' Om al-ketab'' is the above verse is not that there is another existence for Quran, but purpose is that there is great rank in God.
''إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ''
''That this is indeed a qur´an Most Honourable''.
''فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ''
''In Book well-guarded''.
''لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ''
''Which none shall touch but those who are clean?''
Quran book that is in people is science of God. This meaning has been expressed clearly in the following verse
''إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ''
''We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)''.
'' بَلْ هُوَ قُرْآنٌ مَّجِيدٌ''
''Day, this is a Glorious Qur´an''
''فِي لَوْحٍ مَّحْفُوظٍ''
.''(Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved)
In conclusion, the remark of Ayatollah Marefat (may God's mercy be upon him) that Quran does not have another reality and nature except something else available to us.
The third chapter: conclusion and comparison of the two point of views
Distinction of rules can be interpreted from language of Quran;
''كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِير''
''A. L. R. (This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail,- from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things)''.
''وَلَقَدْ جِئْنَاهُم بِكِتَابٍ فَصَّلْنَاهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ هُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ''
''For We had certainly sent unto them a Book, based on knowledge, which We explained in detail,- a guide and a mercy to all who believe''.
هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا تَأْوِيلَهُ ۚ يَوْمَ يَأْتِي تَأْوِيلُهُ يَقُولُ الَّذِينَ نَسُوهُ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَاءَتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِالْحَقِّ فَهَل لَّنَا مِن شُفَعَاءَ فَيَشْفَعُوا لَنَا أَوْ نُرَدُّ فَنَعْمَلَ غَيْرَ الَّذِي كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ ۚ قَدْ خَسِرُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ
''Do they just wait for the final fulfilment of the event? On the day the event is finally fulfilled, those who disregarded it before will say: "The messengers of our Lord did indeed bring true (tidings). Have we no intercessors now to intercede on our behalf? Or could we be sent back? then should we behave differently from our behaviour in the past." In fact they will have lost their souls, and the things they invented will leave them in the lurch''.
''بَلْ كَذَّبُوا بِمَا لَمْ يُحِيطُوا بِعِلْمِهِ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِهِمْ تَأْوِيلُهُ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَانظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الظَّالِمِينَ''
''Nay, they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them: thus did those before them make charges of falsehood: but see what was the end of those who did wrong''.
It can be understood from these verses and others that Quran had rank of rules and whatever is seen in rank of detailed account is imposed on Quran due to descending;
''إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ''
''We have made it a Qur´an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom''.
''وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ''
''And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom''.
Quran has special exaltation and rules;
''مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْعِزَّةَ فَلِلَّهِ الْعِزَّةُ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِلَيْهِ يَصْعَدُ الْكَلِمُ الطَّيِّبُ وَالْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ يَرْفَعُهُ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ يَمْكُرُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ ۖ وَمَكْرُ أُولَٰئِكَ هُوَ يَبُور''ُ
''If any do seek for glory and power,- to Allah belong all glory and power. To Him mount up (all) Words of Purity: It is He Who exalts each Deed of Righteousness. Those that lay Plots of Evil,- for them is a Penalty terrible; and the plotting of such will be void (of result)''.
''إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ''
''That this is indeed a qur´an Most Honourable''.
''فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ''
''In Book well-guarded''.
''لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ''
''Which none shall touch but those who are clean?''
''تَنزِيلٌ مِّن رَّبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ''
.''A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds''
God also states
''إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ''
''We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)''.
''إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ''
''We have made it a Qur´an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom)''.
''وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ''
''And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom''.
Imam Baqer (peace be upon him) was asked '' what is meaning of this Hadith?''
''ما من القرآن آية الا و لها ظهر و بطن و ما فيه حرف الا و له حد و لکل حدّ مطلع فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَىٰ''
Imam Baqer (peace be upon him) answered
''ظهره تنزيله و بطنه تأويله منه ما مضي و منه ما لم يکن بعد ما يجري کما تجري الشمس و القمر کلما جاء منه شيء وقع قال الله تعالي و « وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللّهُ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ » نحن نعلمه''
Quran has two ranks: rank of descending and rank of existence
Rank of descending of Quran is appearance whose inner is understood with inner feeling.
Inner rank of Quran is a luminous and single reality and it has some ranks. It starts from understanding of common people that has been introduced as boundary of inner reality of Quran and completes in the highest rank that is its peak and only immaculate persons and Imams can achieve such a rank. His remark is about Quran ''God had a rank that was better than all of these ranks and none of prophets (peace be upon them) will not understand it and they will understand it if they achieve rank of unity and freedom from both worlds and achieve the rank that has been expressed in the following verse
''فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَىٰ''
''And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer''.
Inner rank of Quran is from infinite science of God until ear of human in the material world;
''بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالزُّبُرِ ۗ وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ''
('' sent them) with Clear Signs and Books of dark prophecies; and We have sent down unto thee (also) the Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought''.
According to the verses of Quran, Quran can be divided into eight ranks:
1. Group rank;
''وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ''
''And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom''.
2. Existence of the sagacious book;
''الر ۚ تِلْكَ آيَاتُ الْكِتَابِ الْحَكِيمِ''
''A.L.R. These are the ayats of the Book of Wisdom''.
''الر ۚ كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ''
''A. L. R. (This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail,- from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things)''.
3. Existence of the hidden book;
''إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ''
''That this is indeed a qur´an Most Honourable''.
''فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ''
''In Book well-guarded''.
''لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ''
''Which none shall touch but those who are clean?''
''طس ۚ تِلْكَ آيَاتُ الْقُرْآنِ وَكِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ''
''These are verses of the Qur´an,-a book that makes (things) clear''.
''وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ''
''By the Book that makes things clear''
5. The existence of the preserved board;
''بَلْ هُوَ قُرْآنٌ مَّجِيدٌ''
''Day, this is a Glorious Qur´an''.
''فِي لَوْحٍ مَّحْفُوظٍ''
''(Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved''.
6. Existence of sahfi of Quran;
''كَلَّا إِنَّهَا تَذْكِرَةٌ''
''By no means (should it be so)! For it is indeed a Message of instruction''.
''فَمَن شَاءَ ذَكَرَهُ''
''Therefore let whoso will, keep it in remembrance''.
''فِي صُحُفٍ مُّكَرَّمَةٍ''
''.(It is) in Books held (greatly) in honour)گگ
''مَّرْفُوعَةٍ مُّطَهَّرَةٍ''
''Exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy''.
''بِأَيْدِي سَفَرَةٍ''
''(Written) by the hands of scribes''.
''كِرَامٍ بَرَرَةٍ''
''Honourable and Pious and Just''.
7. Previous existence of Quran;
''نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوحُ الْأَمِينُ''
''With it came down the spirit of Faith and Truth''.
''عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ''
''To thy heart and mind, that thou mayest admonish''.
''شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ''
''Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur´an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful''.
''إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ''
''We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil)''.
''إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ''
''We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power''.
8. Literal existence of Quran;
''إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ''
''We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur´an, in order that ye may learn wisdom''.
''وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَنزَلْنَاهُ حُكْمًا عَرَبِيًّا ۚ وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءَهُم بَعْدَمَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا وَاقٍ''
''Thus have We revealed it to be a judgment of authority in Arabic. Wert thou to follow their (vain) desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither protector nor defender against Allah''.
''كِتَابٌ فُصِّلَتْ آيَاتُهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ''
''A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur´an in Arabic, for people who understand''.
''وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّتُنذِرَ أُمَّ الْقُرَىٰ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَتُنذِرَ يَوْمَ الْجَمْعِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ۚ فَرِيقٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَفَرِيقٌ فِي السَّعِيرِ''
''Thus have We sent by inspiration to thee an Arabic Qur´an: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her,- and warn (them) of the Day of Assembly, of which there is no doubt: (when) some will be in the Garden, and some in the Blazing Fire''.
''إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ''
''We have made it a Qur´an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom)''.
In conclusion, all of creatures have a source in the world of example and absolute wisdom and meaning of descending is a single affair that has been exhibited from the world of wisdom to the world of example;
''وَإِن مِّن شَيْءٍ إِلَّا عِندَنَا خَزَائِنُهُ وَمَا نُنَزِّلُهُ إِلَّا بِقَدَرٍ مَّعْلُومٍ''
''And there is not a thing but its (sources and) treasures (inexhaustible) are with Us; but We only send down thereof in due and ascertainable measures''.