An Analysis of the Theories Dealing with the Authority of the Exterior of the Quran in Usul al-Fiqh

The question of the authority of the exterior of the Quran is among the issues common to usul al-fiqh (the principles of Islamic jurisprudence), tafsir (interpretation) and Quranic sciences. The present article delves into this issue discussing the most prominent theories about it such as the views of Akhbari and Usuli scholars. The critiques of the theory that seeks to refute this authority are typically intended to reconcile the rival views and reach a mutual understanding among them. This is a controversial issue between Akhbari and Usuli scholars, as well as among Usuli scholars themselves. Hence, most of the theories quoted here hold that either school is partly right in its claims. Among the analyses and critiques presented, Mirza Ali Iravani’s theory is more impeccable. Classifying the manifestations of religious texts into dogmatic and non-dogmatic, he has proposed a new way.