Abstract

There are four main views concerning metaphorical terms in the Qur'an: the view of Zahirites, the theory of univocality, the theory of the truth and metaphor, and the theory of the spirit of meaning. Based on the theory of the spirit of meaning, words are chosen based on the spirits of meanings, and characteristics and applications are not taken into account in their meanings. Therefore, their employment can also be true about intelligible cases. Thus the metaphorical words used in the Qur'an in relation to abstract and intelligible referents have been employed in their real meanings and not in a metaphorical sense.This view was first proposed by Ghazzali and has been discussed in the works of the great figures of Islamic philosophy since then. It has been dealt with particularly by some prominent scholars such as Fayd Kashani, Sabziwari, 'Allamah Tabataba'i, and Imam Khomeini. Since Mulla Sadra has played an undeniable role in the development and dissemination of this theory. This paper specifically examines his interpretation of this theory