following an introduction about understanding the quran, the development of quranic sciences, and exegetical methods since the beginning up to now, the writer deals with the issue of "grasping the quran" from imam khomeini"s point of veiw, and similarly, reviews imam"s outlook on the existing exegeses. imam considers exegesis as expressing the goals and objectives of the quran, and regards as successful an exegesis that has achieved this purpose successfully. thus, imam regards as unsuccessful those exe geses that are unidimentional, or based on personal opinions or incorrect preconceptions, or exegeses which focus on exoteric aspects, or which are eclectic. in principle, imam maintains that a comprehensive and sound interpretation on the book of god ha s not yet been written. he considers the attention to the nature and language of the quran, as a prerequisite of a sound exegesis. further on, the meanings of comprehensiveness of the quran from imam"s viewpoint is touched upon. imam views understanding the outer aspects and legislative verses as possible, understanding scientific verses as difficult, and understanding mystical verses as impossible except for the perfect man, namely, the holy prophet (s.a.w), and his disciple (commander of the faithful) . at the end of the article seven ways to understand the quran are presented, and imam"s exegesis is introduced as the "guidance exegesis".
)