Impossibility of Distortion of the Qur’an from the Viewpoint of Sayyid Murtada

Sayyid Murtada 'Alam al-Huda was an outstanding Shiite theologian in the fourth century (After Hijrah). He was an expert in all the Islamic sciences and wrote numerous works. In his works, he invested particular attention for interpretation and discussion of the Qur’an. One of his major viewpoints in the field of the interpretation of the Qur’an is the impossibility of distortion of the Qur’an. In various Qur’anic discussions and through abundant reasons, he has referred to the immunity of the Qur’an from distortion. However, it is unfortunately noticed that he has been unfairly and baselessly accused of claiming for the distortion of the Qur’an.

This article, through a historical/analytical approach, clarifies Sayyid Murtada’s viewpoint toward the impossibility of distortion of the Qur’an. The reasons provided by him to this end have been studied. Furthermore, some of the arguments concerning his belief in the distortion of the Quran have been criticized and it has been concluded that Sayyid Murtada, like other Shiite scholars, believed in the impossibility of distortion of the Qur’an.

Keywords: Sayyid Murtada, Qur’anic views, Imamiyyah, distortion of the Qur’an, immunity of the Qur’an

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*. Assistant professor of the University of the Qur’anic Sciences and Knowledge, the faculty of teacher training for the Holy Qur’an, Mashad

**. M.A. candidate, the faculty of teacher training for the Holy Qur’an, Mashad