Who Are Those in Authority? Early Muslim Exegesis of the Qur’anic Ulū’l-Amr

The term ulū’l-amr (those in authority) is central to the Muslim understanding of leadership, although it has been understood differently by different scholars. appears twice Qur’an, namely verses 59 and 83 chapter 4 (sūrat al-Nisā’), which serve as cornerstone starting point entire religious, social, political structure Islam. This article carefully examines early exegesis Qur’anic how two have become locus classicus intra-Muslim polemics. main this trace development meaning exegetical works (tafsīr) both Sunni Shi‘i Qur’an commentators during first 600 years Islamic history. It will be argued that chiefly tafsīr tradition identity negotiated, promoted, contested. diversity interpretations trajectories exegesis, well process systematization, are highlighted. While exegetes seem engage with one another internally, tend polemicize uphold their version infallible imams (leaders).