A Critical Re-reading of Scientistic Interpretations of the Verses on Human Creation: A Critique of the Exegetical Approaches of Abdolali Bazargan, Hassan Yousefi Eshkevari, and Abdolsabour Shahin

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original

Authors

1 Department of Exegesis and Quranic Sciences, Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qum, Iran.

2 Department of Exegesis and Qur'anic Sciences, Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qum, Iran.

Abstract

Accurate interpretation of the Quran is contingent upon principles, rules, and a systematic methodology, the application and adherence to which lead to the discovery of the divine intent behind its verses. Some science-oriented Muslim scholars, motivated by religious and scientific considerations, have undertaken the interpretation of Quranic verses pertaining to the creation of cosmic phenomena and human beings. This article examines and critiques the exegetical approaches of three such figures—Abdolali Bazargan, Hassan Yousefi Eshkevari, and Abdolsabour Shahin—while simultaneously elucidating the validity of their interpretive logic and methodology. Employing a library-based approach for data collection and a descriptive-analytical-critical method for analyzing and evaluating the exegetical views of these three thinkers, this research exposes the methodological and epistemological errors in their interpretations. In doing so, it also presents the correct method for interpreting the relevant verses through the critiques offered. The findings indicate commonalities in their exegetical approaches and similar methodological errors. The interpretations of each regarding the verses on human creation contain multiple flaws. Many of these interpretations suffer from methodological weaknesses, including invalid lexicographical analyses, neglect of inter-verse contextual relationships, and deficiencies in synthesizing textual evidence. Another significant error is that their readings are often predicated on preconceived assumptions; by taking the theory of evolution as an established fact, they have projected their desired meanings onto the verses of human creation. Consequently, instead of relying on the valid implications of the verses, they have imposed their own presuppositions upon the Quranic text.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Quranic Doctrines

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 November 2025

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