Verse 60 of Surah Al-Isra, which refers to “the vision (al-ruʾyā) that We showed you” and “the accursed tree (al-shajarah al-malʿūnah) in the Qur’an,” is among the most controversial and disputed verses in Islamic exegesis. The present study adopts a comparative approach and is based on an analysis of the narrational commentaries (tafsīr bi al-riwāyah) of both major Islamic schools, Shi‘a and Sunni, in order to reexamine the conceptual meaning and referential application of the “accursed tree.” Given the connection between this expression and the prophetic vision mentioned in the verse, the study also necessarily addresses the phrase “the vision that We showed you.”
The findings indicate that both schools agree on the essential nature of the prophetic vision, namely, that the Prophet (PBUH) witnessed a group of people upon his pulpit and that this vision was interpreted as “a trial (fitnah) for the people.” However, they differ fundamentally regarding the identification of the “accursed tree.” Shi‘a exegetes, relying on numerous transmitted traditions from the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (AS), consider the Umayyads (Banū Umayyah) to be the definitive referent of the accursed tree and interpret the vision as a divine prophecy foretelling the political deviation that would occur after the Prophet (PBUH). In contrast, Sunni exegetes generally interpret the verse in its apparent sense as referring to the Tree of Zaqqum, although a number of prophetic traditions and reports from the Companions indicate a connection between the verse and the Umayyads.
Accordingly, this study demonstrates that the differing approaches of the two schools stem from their distinct theological foundations and from the differing status accorded to Ahl al-Bayt (AS) within their respective exegetical frameworks.