Methodology of the Interpretations of Ayat al-Ahkam: A Comparison of Four Prominent Works

In recent times, lovers of science and knowledge have grieved over the death of a distinguished scholar. The late Dr. Ali-Reza Feiz, a professor who had spent more than six decades teaching and training students in addition to being educated by greatest masters of Islamic jurisprudence, usul al-figh, theosophy and literature, died of a long illness. Although the valuable works this scholar has left behind can be utilized by future generations, he is undoubtedly missed among the highly respected and esteemed university professors. The present article, written in honor of this deceased scholar, examines the methodology of four works of interpretation from among the interpretations of ayat al-ahkam, namely “Kanz al-Erfan”, “Zobdat al-Bayan”, Jassas’ “Ahkam al-Quran” and ibn al-Arabi's “Ahkam al-Quran”, comparatively and introduces the advantages and disadvantages of each of these works of interpretation. It is noteworthy to mention that the science of interpreting ayat al-ahkam, as one of the interdisciplinary sciences between interpretation and usul al-figh, has long been of interest to Islamic scholars and some great works have been written in this field.