Is "Tafsir al-Mizan" by al-Tabataba'i reliable, and what is the reason for that?
Muhammad Husayn al-Tabataba'i, author of "Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an," is considered one of the prominent scholars of the Twelver Shia. His book represents the first new Shiite exegesis after the interpretations of al-Tabarsi and al-Tusi. The book has numerous points of concern, including: his questioning of the definitive denial of any deficiency in the Qur'an, his adoption of a mystical interpretation of Qur'anic verses, and its inclusion of many fabricated topics and false narrations that establish corrupt Shiite doctrines such as infallibility (ismah), messianism (mahdiya), return (raj'a), and dissimulation (taqiyyah). Furthermore, it presents major jurisprudential issues that contradict what Muslims have unanimously agreed upon, such as temporary marriage (nikah al-mut'ah). Al-Tabataba'i primarily relies on Shiite books filled with misguidance in most of his references, and he contradicts what is stated in the Qur'an and Sunnah regarding matters of divine attributes and the vision of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. Therefore, reading this book is not recommended except for specialists who are capable of distinguishing truth from falsehood.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/9156