Criticism and Evaluation of Allamah Tabataba'i's View on Distinguishing Perceptual Levels Based on Verses 11-13 of Surah An-Nahl

Asgharpour, Hasan; Mohammadi Ramazani, Razieh

doi:10.22059/jcis.2026.414912.1483

Criticism and Evaluation of Allamah Tabataba'i's View on Distinguishing Perceptual Levels Based on Verses 11-13 of Surah An-Nahl

Articles in Press

Document Type : Scholary

Authors

hasan asgharpour ¹

Razieh Mohammadi Ramazani ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith, Shahed University

² MSc Student in Quran And Hadith Department At Qom Univesity

10.22059/jcis.2026.414912.1483

Abstract

“Tafakkur,” “Taaqul,” and "Tazakkur" are three stages of human thought and learning that appear in various contexts throughout the Holy Quran. In verses 11 to 13 of Surah An-Nahl, these three concepts are mentioned following a discussion of different topics. Allamah Tabataba'i, in his interpretation of these verses, has proposed a theory that warrants evaluation and verification. He suggests that "Tafakkur" pertains to simple premises, "Reasoning" relates to scientific issues, and "Tazakkur" involves general and philosophical premises. This article aims to assess this view by examining Quranic applications and analyzing the lexical meanings of these three terms. The present study employs a descriptive-analytical method, and the findings indicate that "Tafakkur" is not limited to simple premises; it encompasses contemplation on a wide range of natural phenomena, cosmic issues, social matters, and even the nature of revelation. Furthermore, the use of "Reasoning" in the Quran is not restricted to scientific principles—it also applies to a deep understanding of moral, historical issues, and critiques of ignorance and blind imitation. The concept of "Tazakkur" and its derivatives in the Quran are broad and include recalling blessings, fulfilling covenants, engaging in acts of worship, contemplating resurrection, and...

Keywords

Surah An-Nahl

Allamah Tabataba' i

Tafakkur

Taaqul

Tazakkur

Subjects