Exegesis Methodology of Al-Maturidi

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Abstract

al-Maturidi puts forth that "truth" is the only factor that will enable the human kind to live perfectly in all areas; emphasizing the threat of "taqlid" that may hinder humankind to reach the truth before it can even determine the methods to do so, thus trying to prevent from the outset the sacrificing of the efforts that may be put forth to reach truth in favor of mistakes that are adopted blindly. According to al-Maturidi, the only way to reach truth is correct information acquired based on evidence. The way to reach this knowledge is through the use of reason. al-Maturidi accepts that the mind can apprehend everything that falls into the category of objects or things (all creatures and events) either by way of the results put forth by the senses or by pondering on the sensory knowledge through evidence put forth by way of "nazar". His idea that truth and the correct information based on evidence that is required for accessing truth can be put forth in an objectivity that shall enable everyone to accept it is actually a very important principle. Accordingly, an understanding of knowledge and istidll (deduction) method lie at the foundation of the world of thought of al-Maturidi. Therefore, al-Maturidi 's understanding of religion in general and specifically his understanding of Qur'an are appearances that tower over his understanding of knowledge. Hence, it can be stated that the wisdom of al-Maturidi in tafsir is quite methodical. Here, we shall try to put forth the theoretical basis of the diryet method of al-Maturidi in tafsir with tangible manifestations set forth as examples. The fact that al-Maturidi has carried out his scholarly activities based on such a method is in our opinion an indispensable part of the scientific and cultural treasure of Islam. It is understood from the references in his works that the understanding of science in that era and especially the climate set forth by Mu'tazila ulema (scientific/systematic discourse) is very effective in al-Maturidi's efforts to place this important principle, that is the "scientific method", which will give birth to the institutionalization that shall enable humankind to meet with beneficial principles.