The Prophecy of Roman Victory as an Eschatological Argument in Tabataba'i's Al-Mizan

Abstract

This study examines the prophecy of Roman victory as an eschatological argument in the Tafsir Al-Mizan by Muhammad Husain Tabataba'i regarding Q.S. Al-Rum:1 - 6. The study aims to analyze the relationship between the Roman victory, the fulfillment of God's promise (wa'd Allah), al-mi'ad, and Sunnatullah in the construction of Tabataba'i's interpretation. This study uses a qualitative approach with a library research design. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with a descriptive-analytical pattern through the stages of text identification, categorization of arguments, reconstruction of relationships between concepts, and synthesis. The results show that the Roman victory in Tabataba'i's interpretation is understood not only as the historical realization of the Qur'anic announcement, but also as part of a theological argument that links history with eschatological matters. The realization of the Roman victory becomes a concrete experience of the fulfillment of God's announcement, while wa'd Allah provides the foundation of certainty that God does not break His promise. Meanwhile, Sunnatullah functions as a framework for understanding the change in Rome's condition from defeat to victory within God's decree and power. Thus, the prophecy of Roman victory functions as an argumentative bridge between historical reality and the certainty of the matters promised by God, including al-mi'ad. This study affirms that the eschatological function of this prophecy does not lie in regarding the Roman victory as an end-times event, but in its capacity to direct understanding toward the certainty of God's promise and the reliability of revelation.