"Al Fouz Ul Kabeer Fee Usool Al Tafseer Ka Tahkiki Mutala" by Shah Wali Ullah is a significant work in the field of Islamic scholarship, particularly in the study of Tafseer (exegesis of the Quran). This comprehensive study has been meticulously elaborated by Hafiz Abu Muhammad Hanfi, bringing forth the essential principles and methodologies outlined by Shah Wali Ullah. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the fundamentals of Quranic interpretation, aiming to bridge classical Islamic thought with contemporary understanding. The elaboration by Hafiz Abu Muhammad Hanfi enhances the accessibility and relevance of Shah Wali Ullah’s original concepts, making this text a valuable resource for students and scholars of Islamic studies.
Key Points
1. Historical Context Shah Wali Ullah wrote this work in the 18th century, a time marked by significant socio-political and religious challenges in the Muslim world. His efforts aimed to revive and purify Islamic teachings amidst these turbulent times.
2. Purpose of the Work The primary purpose of Shah Wali Ullah’s treatise was to provide a clear and systematic approach to the principles of Tafseer, ensuring that the interpretation of the Quran remained authentic and aligned with the teachings of early Islamic scholars.
3. Methodology Shah Wali Ullah emphasized a balanced methodology that combined rational analysis with traditional sources. His approach aimed to harmonize reason with revelation, ensuring that Quranic interpretation was both logical and faithful to its divine origin.
4. Sources of Tafseer The book highlights the importance of primary sources such as the Quran itself, Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), and the interpretations of the Sahaba (companions of the Prophet). It also acknowledges the role of secondary sources, including the opinions of later scholars.
5. Language and Rhetoric Shah Wali Ullah discussed the significance of understanding the Arabic language and its rhetoric to accurately interpret the Quran. This includes the study of grammar, eloquence, and the context in which the verses were revealed.
6. Principles of Abrogation The concept of abrogation (Naskh) is thoroughly examined, where certain Quranic verses supersede others. Shah Wali Ullah provided criteria to identify and understand abrogated verses and their implications for Islamic jurisprudence.
7. Consistency and Contradictions The treatise addresses the issue of apparent contradictions within the Quran. Shah Wali Ullah proposed methodologies to resolve these contradictions, emphasizing that true understanding comes from a comprehensive and contextual study of the text.
8. Thematic Tafseer Shah Wali Ullah introduced the concept of thematic Tafseer, where the Quran is interpreted based on its themes and subjects, rather than verse by verse. This method allows for a more coherent understanding of its messages and teachings.
9. Contemporary Relevance Hafiz Abu Muhammad Hanfi’s elaboration highlights the contemporary relevance of Shah Wali Ullah’s principles, demonstrating how they can be applied to modern issues and questions facing the Muslim community.
10. Educational Impact The book serves as an essential resource for students of Islamic studies, providing them with a structured framework for Quranic interpretation. It is widely used in academic and religious institutions to teach the science of Tafseer.
"Al Fouz Ul Kabeer Fee Usool Al Tafseer Ka Tahkiki Mutala" stands as a pivotal work that bridges classical Islamic scholarship with modern interpretative needs. Shah Wali Ullah’s systematic approach, enriched by Hafiz Abu Muhammad Hanfi’s elaboration, offers a profound and accessible guide for understanding the Quran. This work continues to inspire and educate scholars, ensuring that the principles of Quranic interpretation remain robust and relevant in contemporary times.
