The Role of Explanatory Hermeneutics in Resolving the Conflict between Prophetic Conduct (Sīrah) and Hadith-Based Tradition in the Division of War Booty, with an Emphasis on Qur'an 59:7 and Sermon 205 of Nahj al-Balagha

The explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS)—conceived as both an epistemological framework and an interpretive methodology—is concerned with the understanding and re-reading of the Prophetic tradition (Sunnah) in light of revelatory rationality (ʿaqlāniyyah waḥyāniyyah). This method, when faced with an apparent conflict between the practical conduct (sīrah) of the Prophet (SAWA) and the transmitted narrative tradition (sunnah riwā’yyah) attributed to him, undertakes the reconstruction of the meaning of the Prophet's words and actions. The practical sīrah of the Prophet (SAWA) embodies the objective manifestation of revelation, while the narrative tradition constitutes its linguistic reflection in the sphere of transmission and narration. The practical sīrah of the Prophet (SAWA) and the narrative tradition have always been confronted with the challenge of apparent contradiction. The explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) has resolved this contradiction. Employing an analytical-descriptive method, the present study seeks to examine the epistemological and methodological mechanisms of this hermeneutical approach in two particular cases: the division of war booty (ghanā'im) as addressed in Q. 59:7 and in Sermon 205 of Nahj al-Balāgha. The findings of this research indicate that every prophetic action is rendered meaningful in accordance with the context of address (maqām al-khiṭāb), historical conditions, and the ultimate purpose of the sacred law (sharīʿah). Furthermore, the explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), through a process of discerning the hierarchical levels of meaning within the Prophetic tradition, has subordinated reason to the service of revelation. By establishing a systematic unity between the word and deed of the Prophet (SAWA), the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) have produced a semantic coherence that not only signifies the maturity of the Islamic tradition but also offers a promising horizon for the reconstruction of religious knowledge in the contemporary age.



The explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) as a cognitive system and interpretive method, oversees the understanding and reinterpretation of the prophetic tradition in the light of revelational rationality. This method, in the face of the conflict between the practical life of the Prophet (pbuh) and the narrative tradition transmitted from him, reconstructs the meaning of the prophetic words and deeds. The practical life of the Prophet (pbuh) is the objective manifestation of revelation; and the narrative tradition is its linguistic reflection in the realm of transmission and narration. The practical life of the Prophet (pbuh) and the narrative tradition have always faced the challenge of conflict. The explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) has resolved this conflict. The present study, using an analytical-descriptive method, has attempted to examine the epistemological and methodological mechanisms of the explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) in two examples of the division of spoils in verse 7 of Surah al-Hashr and sermon 205 of Nahjul al-Balagha. The findings of the research show that every prophetic act is interpreted according to the status of the addressee, the historical conditions, and the purpose of the Sharia, and the explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) has placed reason at the service of revelation through the process of recognizing the levels of meaning in the prophetic tradition. By creating a systematic unity between the prophetic word and deed, the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) have created a semantic coherence that is both a sign of the maturity of the Islamic tradition and a clear horizon for the reconstruction of religious knowledge in the present era.



The explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) as a cognitive system and interpretive method, oversees the understanding and reinterpretation of the prophetic tradition in the light of revelational rationality. This method, in the face of the conflict between the practical life of the Prophet (pbuh) and the narrative tradition transmitted from him, reconstructs the meaning of the prophetic words and deeds. The practical life of the Prophet (pbuh) is the objective manifestation of revelation; and the narrative tradition is its linguistic reflection in the realm of transmission and narration. The practical life of the Prophet (pbuh) and the narrative tradition have always faced the challenge of conflict. The explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) has resolved this conflict. The present study, using an analytical-descriptive method, has attempted to examine the epistemological and methodological mechanisms of the explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) in two examples of the division of spoils in verse 7 of Surah al-Hashr and sermon 205 of Nahjul al-Balagha. The findings of the research show that every prophetic act is interpreted according to the status of the addressee, the historical conditions, and the purpose of the Sharia, and the explanatory hermeneutics of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) has placed reason at the service of revelation through the process of recognizing the levels of meaning in the prophetic tradition. By creating a systematic unity between the prophetic word and deed, the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) have created a semantic coherence that is both a sign of the maturity of the Islamic tradition and a clear horizon for the reconstruction of religious knowledge in the present era.