Jana al-Khurfa fi Ibtal al-Qawl bil-Sarfa
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- Jana al-Khurfa fi Ibtal al-Qawl bil-Sarfa
Jana al-Khurfa fi Ibtal al-Qawl bil-Sarfa (Arabic: جنى الخرفة في إبطال القول بالصرفة, lit. 'The Autumn Harvest in Refuting the Doctrine of Divine Redirection') is a contemporary treatise on Quranic sciences and theology by Arafa bin Tantawi, written to refute the doctrine of al-sarfa (divine redirection) and demonstrate that the inimitability of the Quran (i'jaz al-Qur'an) is intrinsic to its text rather than external to it .
Background and Publication
The work investigates the theological concept of sarfa, which posits that humans were prevented from meeting the Quranic challenge because God turned them away or stripped them of their abilities, rather than because the Quran is inimitable in its own eloquence and composition . The author published the study in the peer-reviewed journal Majallat al-Buhuth al-Islamiyya (Issue 60, Safar 1442 AH / 2020 CE) and also issued it as an independent treatise .
Structure and Contents
The book consists of an introduction, two main chapters divided into sections (mabahith) and sub-sections (matalib), and a conclusion summarizing its findings :
- Chapter One: Clarification of the Concept of Sarfa (Bayan Mafhum al-Sarfa): Defines sarfa linguistically and technically, and outlines the three main positions held by its proponents regarding how God allegedly intervened: by diverting the motivation and resolve of the Arabs from attempting opposition; by stripping them of the linguistic and literary knowledge necessary to compose comparable speech; or by compellingly restraining them despite their possessing the ability and knowledge .
- Chapter Two: The Doctrine of Sarfa: Presentation, Discussion, and Refutation (al-Qawl bil-Sarfa: 'Ard, Munaqashah, wa-Tafnid):
- Origins and Transmission: Explores the origins of the idea, linking its initial roots to ancient Indian philosophy found in the Vedas before it was adopted by the rationalist Mu'tazila school, and examines scholars' documentation of how Ibrahim al-Nazzam acquired and promoted it .
- Proponents of the Doctrine: Surverys the figures associated with the doctrine, beginning with al-Nazzam as the first among the Mu'tazila to openly espouse it, subsequent Mu'tazilis, proponents among non-Mu'tazilis including certain Ash'aris, and Twelver Shi'i scholars such as al-Sharif al-Murtada and Ibn Sinan al-Khafaji .
- Refutation and Arguments: Details the arguments against sarfa using scriptural evidence from the Quran and Hadith, scholarly consensus (ijma') predating the emergence of the doctrine as cited by figures such as al-Qurtubi, al-Jurjani, and al-Alusi, as well as rational proofs and historical reality, noting that historical attempts to challenge the Quran demonstrated that human resolve was not redirected .
Method and Sources
Tantawi relies on an inductive approach (al-manhaj al-istiqra'i) to collect the statements of classical rhetoricians and theologians across sectarian lines, alongside a critical method (al-manhaj al-naqdi) to evaluate and dismantle the arguments of sarfa . The study draws on classical theological treatises, works of Quranic inimitability, and tafsir literature, as well as modern studies on rhetoric and theology .
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