Intermediate Quranic Sciences

Definition: Matters mentioned in the Quran without explicit naming — whether persons, places, times, or quantities. Quranic scholars have dedicated independent chapters to this topic.

Types:

1. Unspecified persons: "A man came from the far end of the city" (28:20) — said to be Hizqil (Ezekiel) or Sham'un.
2. Unspecified places: "The city whose people were wrongdoers" (4:75) — said to be Mecca before the conquest.
3. Unspecified times: "A numbered few days" (2:184) — days not specified by an explicit count.
4. Unspecified persons (companions): "His companion said to him" (18:37) — no name mentioned.

Wisdom of vagueness:

• Directing focus to the meaning and lesson, not the individual.
• Generalizing the verse to encompass multiple situations.
• Encouraging reflection and inquiry.

Key works: Al-Suhali, "Al-Mubhamat"; Ibn Hisham, "Al-Iklil fi al-Mutashabih."

Source: Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan (Chapter on Mubhamat, 3/1); Al-Suhayli, Al-Mubhamat (pp.7–30); Al-Zarkashi, Al-Burhan (3/75)

Tags: المبهماتعلوم القرآنالتفسيرالإتقان