The Discourse Analysis of the Al-Taṭhīr Verse in Shia and Sunni Interpretations

The al-taṭhīr verse1 is one of the most controversial verses of the qur'an between sunni andshiite commentators. the shia, based on the text of the verse as well as the narrations of asbāb al-nuzūlrevelations, argue that this verse is about prophet muhammad (pbuh) and his family. while manysunnis have cited the context of verse and argued that the wives of prophet muhammad (pbuh) are alsohis ''ahl al-bayt̓''. because of the theological arguments and different readings of the verse, the necessityof a new look at the interpretation of this verse is undeniable. therefore, in this study, an analyticalcomparativeapproach was used based on the interpretive views of sunni and shiite commentators toconsider the topic of taṭhīr verse from the viewpoint of discourse analysis and it was concluded thatthe signification of this verse is independent. although, according to some commentators, the context andthe discipline may be a prerequisite for understanding the word, however, when the word is changedliterally and spiritually, it suggests that there is no context and discipline. the literal analysis of thetaṭhīr verse indicates that before and after this verse all pronouns have been brought in proportion tothe target audience i.e. women, but with the onset of the word innamā (i.e. rather, verily) the versechanges, indicating that the address of this verse is not the same as the address of the previous verse andthe next verse. in the literal sense, all the previous verses and the next verses express threatening andreproach, but this verse, along with all the commentators, praise the ahl al-bayt (as).