| Throughout Islamic history, Quranic exegesis has been shaped by diverse epistemological foundations and methodological approaches, with each exegete offering a distinct framework for understanding divine revelation. Among contemporary exegetes, Martyr Ayatullah Khamenei has developed a coherent theory of Quranic exegesis that integrates the heritage of Shiʿi exegesis with innovative epistemological and methodological principles. This study examines the foundations, rules, and methodological structure of his exegetical thought through a descriptive–analytical analysis of his exegetical writings, Quranic discourses, speeches, and interpretive views. The findings indicate that his exegetical framework is grounded in the Quran’s miraculous and incorruptible nature, the inseparable relationship between the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), the authority of authentic hadiths, and the legitimacy of reason. It further emphasizes the Quran’s scientific and epistemic authority, the comprehensiveness of its guidance, its transformative role in the human sciences, and a socio-civilizational approach to revelation. His exegetical methodology incorporates contextual analysis (siyāq), application and extension (jary wa taṭbīq), deeper semantic interpretation (baṭn), dialogical engagement with the Quran (istinṭāq al-Qur’ān), linguistic analysis, and the integrated use of Quran-by-Quran, hadith-based, rational, and ijtihādī methods. The study concludes that these principles and rules form a coherent epistemological system that supports socio-political interpretation, interdisciplinary Quranic scholarship, and the development of Quran-based knowledge. Consequently, Ayatullah Khamenei’s exegetical theory represents a significant contemporary paradigm capable of addressing individual, social, and civilizational challenges in the Muslim world. |
