تفسیر مفتی محمد عبدَہ کا اختصاصی مطالعہ

Abstract

The last divine message called Qur’an is revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).He was ordained by the Lord of the Universe to convey it to humanity and explain the meanings and wisdom laid therein. The Holy Qur’an encompasses an overall guidance for humanity, especially for Muslims. Not only the Prophet (S.A.W) explained the Qur’an in his words, but also portrayed its meanings by practicing the teachings laid in the Holy Qur’an. Since the period of his Companions (Sahaba), his teachings became the main source for comprehending the Qur’an. Ibn-e-Taymiyyah (d.728 AH), an illustrious scholar, clearly stated that the best method to understand the Qur’an is by explaining it in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah (Hadith).

This paper aims at examining the importance given to this principle of Tafsir by Mufti Muhammad ‘Abduhu. Mufti Muhammad ‘Abduhu, an Egyptian scholar of 20^th century and a pioneer exegete of his time, seems to prefer his own opinions while explaining the verses of the Qur’an in his exegesis Tafsir Juz ‘Amm and Tafsir al-Manar (based on his lectures and compiled by his disciple Rashid Rida). He also seems to deny ahadith-e-ahaad related to beliefs (aqaid). Moreover, he argues that ahaad are based on speculation, whereas beliefs can’t be based on supposition. However, as per consensus of various eminent Muslim scholars, this was an innovative idea presented by M'utazilah in early history of Islam. These scholars assert that trustworthiness of a reliable narrator is sufficient to accept the hadith. On certain occasions, Muhammad ‘Abduhu even negates the authenticity of hadith-e mutawatir and interprets the verses in the light of his rational thinking, which is generally against the accepted criteria of Muslim commentators of the Qur’an.