Interpretive relativism between philosophical hermeneutics and objective interpretation.. Gadamer and Sadr as an example

Abdul-Aziz Al-Sawafi

Abstract

The article studies the topic of interpretive relativism in the interpretation of the Holy Qur'an, in terms of the points of compatibility and incompatibility in both the philosophical hermeneutics of Gadamer and the objective interpretation of Al-Sadr. The article’s aim is to answer a fundamental question: What is the nature of interpretive relativism acceptable to both of them? And what is its level? The answer to this question requires the descriptive approach in defining both interpretive relativism and Gadamer's philosophical Hermeneutics, and the objective interpretation of Al-Sadr, besides applying the critical analytical approach in analyzing the foundations, on which both methods of the Qur'an interpretation were based to know the nature and levels of interpretive relativism arising from them. It has been concluded that interpretive relativism arising from the making use of philosophical hermeneutics is absolute and true interpretive relativism; therefore, it cannot be accepted; because this means that the Holy Qur'an is a cultural product fit to its own era, and this leads to denying the immortality of the Islamic religion and its superiority over other religions, whereas the interpretive relativism arising from Al-Sadr’s objective interpretation is a restricted interpretive relativism, arising from the nature of understanding the Qur'an as a transcendent speech, whose purpose is to guide man. Therefore, it can be accepted in the interpretation of the Qur'an.

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)