A Comparative Study of the Meanings and Instances of Safaahat from the Perspective of Allameh Tabataba’i and Allameh Zamakhshari

Abstract

The Almighty God created humans, made them the noblest of all creatures, and bestowed upon them the blessing of intellect. However, sometimes human beings do not take advantage of this gift and waste it by engaging in foolish acts such as drinking alcohol, showing disdain for religion, and the like. In some verses of the Quran, the terms ‘safih’ and ‘safaahat’ are mentioned, and mufassirs have expressed their opinions on their meanings and instances. The present study, conducted using textual analysis and library research methods, examines the meanings and instances of the two terms from the perspectives of Allameh Tabataba’i and Allameh Zamakhshari to discuss the similarities and differences in the two mufassirs’ views. The results of the study indicate that both mufassirs believe that safaahat means foolishness, ignorance, lack of wisdom, sleepiness, lightness, and some degree of foolishness. Allameh Zamakhshari considers those who waste and do not consume their wealth properly as safihs. Regarding the instances of safaahat, Allameh Zamakhshari mentions three instances of safihs, including Jews of little understanding, hypocrites, and polytheists. However, Allameh Tabataba’i has comprehensively addressed the instances of safaahat in several verses and has listed other instances of safihs in addition to Jews and polytheists, such as those who disdain the nation and religion of Abraham, murderers of children, orphans, drunkards, those who are not trusted, children before reaching the age of maturity, and lustful women. The implications of this study could be useful in understanding the Quranic concepts of foolishness and ignorance, as well as the instances in which they are mentioned. The study could also provide insights into the interpretations of Islamic scholars on these concepts and their relevance to contemporary society.