Contribution of Ibn Wahb al-Katib's Bayan (Exposition) Method to the Quranic Thought Concerning Existence and Interpretation in the Book of al-Burhan fi Vujuh al-Bayan

Abstract

The basis of existence and interpretation of the Quranic thought is one of the main factors that define the role of divine message in the construction of the Islamic community and the formation of Muslim identity. However, the basis of existence and interpretation of the Quranic thought is one of the main factors that determine this role of the divine message and the relationship with the Qur'an. Therefore, it is important to develop a holistic thought concerning the Quran rather than a fragmented approach to existence and interpretation. In this context, the main purpose of this study is to investigate whether it contributes to the formation of a holistic thought of existence and interpretation about the Quran, based on Ibn Wahb's four dimensional bayan (exposition) method which is based on a philosophical ground, in his work titled al-Burhan fi vujuh al-bayan. For this purpose, firstly, Ibn Wahb's bayan (exposition) method which has four different levels, namely, bayan al-i`tibar, bayan al-i`tiqad, bayan al-i`bara and bayan al-kitab and developed for understanding and interpretation activity will be analysed. Then, in the context of these four bayan (exposition) methods, the Quranic thought in terms of existence and interpretation will be discussed. Thus, it will be sought to contribute to the formation of a holistic existence and interpretation thought with respect to Qur'an based on the bayan (exposition) method of Ibn Wahb.