Defining the Boundaries of Sacred Space: Unbelievers, Purity, and the Masjid al-Haram in Shi‘a Exegesis of Qur’an 9:28

Abstract

This study examines how some of the most preeminent commentators of the Shi‘a exegetical tradition have interpreted Qur’an 9:28 to frame the relationship between shirk (associating others with God), impurity, and the confessional boundaries around Islamic sacred space, the Masjid al-Haram in particular. The paper revolves around three main questions: how do commentators define the boundaries of shirk ? What is the nature of the mushrik ’s (polytheist’s) impurity? And, what is the extent of the prohibition against entering the Masjid and why? The paper demonstrates that commentators tend towards highly precautionary interpretations of non-Muslim impurity, including that of ahl al-kitab , with contrary views appearing only in the modern period. Nevertheless, despite some variance of opinion, the exegetical tradition on Qur’an 9:28 is not unique to Shi‘a Islam but reflects an understanding of what counts as sacred space and how separation acts to make space sacred that is found in religion more generally.

Women and Ritual Purity in Islam

“…Some scholars such as Mulla MuhsinFayd al-Kashani (d. 1680) and Al-Muhaqqiq al-Bahrani (d.1708) did not believe in the impurity of non-believers, and particularly non-Kitabi (Darwish 2014). For instance, Kashani believes that the impurity of Kuffar is spiritual and internal, so there is no need to wash after touching them.…”

“…For instance, Kashani believes that the impurity of Kuffar is spiritual and internal, so there is no need to wash after touching them. This group believes in the purity of non-Muslims and of all humans (Darwish 2014). Muhammad Ibrahim Jannaati, Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Fadlullah, Seyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad and Yusuf Sani'i are part of this group.…”

“…It is not only unhygienic to neglect cleaning teeth but also an antisocial habit likely to repel people from one's presence. It is narrated by IbnMaj ah to "use the Miswaak, for verily, it purifies the mouth, and it is a Pleasure for the Lord (Darwish 2014). Jibreel (A.S.) exhorted me so much to use the Miswaak that I feared that its use would be decreed obligatory upon me and upon my Ummah.…”

“…If I did not fear imposing hardship on my Ummah, I would have made its use obligatory upon my people. Verily, I use the Miswaak so much that I fear the front part of my mouth being peeled (by constant and abundant brushing with the Miswaak)" (Darwish 2014).…”