Methodological Approaches and Exegetical Trends in Qur'anic Interpretation in the Thought of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei

Objective: This study aims to examine the exegetical methodologies and interpretive orientations in the Qur’anic thought of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, identifying the methodological and epistemological foundations of his approach while highlighting its distinctive contributions to contemporary Shiʿi Qur’anic exegesis. It also seeks to demonstrate how his interpretive framework integrates the rich legacy of classical Islamic exegesis with innovative approaches to addressing contemporary intellectual and societal challenges.
Method: The research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach based on a systematic examination of Ayatollah Khamenei’s exegetical writings, Qur’anic lectures, and public addresses. These primary sources were analyzed to identify the methodological principles, interpretive patterns, and intellectual orientations that characterize his understanding and interpretation of the Qur’anic text.
Findings: The findings indicate that Ayatollah Khamenei employs a comprehensive set of recognized exegetical methodologies, including the interpretation of the Qur’an by the Qur’an, narrational (riwāʾī) exegesis, rational exegesis, scientific exegesis, and allusive (ishārī) interpretation. The integrated application of these approaches has resulted in a distinctive model of comprehensive ijtihād-based exegesis, which harmonizes textual and rational sources of interpretation. Conversely, he strongly rejects interpretation based on personal opinion (tafsīr bi al-raʾy), considering it methodologically unsound and inconsistent with the established principles of Qur’anic interpretation. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that, while firmly grounded in the theological and juridical foundations of the Ahl al-Bayt school, his exegetical discourse places significant emphasis on social, political, ethical, educational, and literary dimensions. Particular attention is given to the Qur’an’s civilizational and societal functions, the derivation of foundations for the human sciences from the Qur’an, the promotion of Islamic unity, and the adoption of a dialogical approach that enables the Qur’an to address emerging issues and contemporary challenges.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Ayatollah Khamenei’s exegetical thought constitutes a coherent and systematic interpretive framework that successfully combines fidelity to the Islamic exegetical tradition with responsiveness to contemporary realities. Its capacity for theoretical innovation, together with its emphasis on the Qur’an’s transformative role in society and civilization, offers a promising paradigm for advancing contemporary Qur’anic studies, developing specialized fields of Qur’anic exegesis, and promoting interdisciplinary research within the broader context of the Muslim world.