العلامة أبو منصور الماتريدي و منهج تفسيره

Authors

Abstract

“Ta’wilat Ahl al-Sunnah” is a well-known tafsir work written by al-Shaykh al-‘Allamah Abu Mansur Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Maturidi (d.333 A.H.) who was considered leader of the followers of the Prophet’s (s.a.w.) traditions. This work is also referred to as “Ta’wilat al-Qur’an”. In this tafsir the mufassir defended wisely, reasonably and strongly the doctrinal views of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaa’ah on the valid basis available in the Qur’an. It would not be exaggerated statement that the interpretation of the Qur’anic verses as given in this book is easily intelligible for both the layman and the scholar. The credit goes to the methodology applied in the book. This particular methodology consists of several elements. First, there is total abstinence from complicated statements. Second, it applies easily intelligible logic. Third, it seeks to strengthen the preferred views on the basis of the Qur’an itself. Fourth, it brings in authentic Prophetic traditions, views of Companions and Successors in the discussions. Fifth, it mentions several possible connotations of a Qur’anic word or verse. Sixth, it makes critical analysis of others’ views especially those of Mu‘tazilah. The present paper is an attempt to highlight these six methodological elements of al-Maturidi’s tafsir by focusing on Surat al-Baqarah.