An Examination of the Interpretation of “Qawl Thaqīl” (Weighty Word) and Its Relationship with Facilitation (Taysīr) and the Language of the Messenger of God (PBUH) in Shi‘ite Narrative Exegeses

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Qur’anic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology, Hazrat Masoumeh University, Qom, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology, Hazrat-Masoumeh University (peace be upon her), Qom, Iran

3 Master's Student at Hazrat-e Masoumeh University, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

The expression qawl thaqīl ("weighty speech") in Qur'an 73:5 has long been the subject of exegetical debate, particularly regarding the nature of its "weightiness" and its relationship to the notion of taysīr ("facilitation") in Qur'an 54:17, 22, 32, and 40, as well as to the "tongue of the Prophet" (lisān al-nabī) in Qur'an 19:97 and 44:58. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach and drawing on major sources of Shiʿi narrational exegesis, including Tafsīr al-Qummī, Tafsīr al-ʿAyyāshī, Nūr al-Thaqalayn, and Minhāj al-Ṣādiqīn, this study offers the first integrated analysis of the concepts of thiqal ("weightiness") and taysīr ("facilitation") while examining the central role of the Prophet's language in mediating between them. The findings indicate that the commentators' interpretations can be classified into four interrelated dimensions: the weightiness of revelation and visionary experience, the weightiness of proclamation and religious obligation, the weightiness of spiritual impact and reflection, and the weightiness inherent in the nature and reality of the Qur'an. Within each dimension, taysīr assumes a corresponding function, while the Prophet's language serves multiple interpretive and pedagogical roles, including elucidating divine revelation, clarifying religious rulings, articulating monotheistic discourse, mediating the relationship between worldly hardship and eschatological reward, and exemplifying the practice of night prayer. The study's principal contribution lies in demonstrating, through an integrated analysis grounded in Shiʿi narrational exegesis, how the various dimensions of Qur'anic weightiness are transformed into facilitation through the Prophet's language and exemplary conduct.

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References

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Biannual Journal of research in the interpretation of Quran
Volume 12, Issue 24
August 2025
Pages 43-80

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