The method of interpretation according to Judge Al-Baydawi

Abstract

Al-Baydawi's Tafsir, also known as Anwar al-Tanzil wa Asrar al-Ta'wil, is one of the concise, beneficial, and well-known exegeses of the eighth century AH. Its key characteristics include brevity, avoidance of verbosity, and eloquence in presenting discussions. This tafsir was written in five volumes, following the interpretative style of Al-Kashshaf by Al-Zamakhshari.

The author drew upon Al-Tafsir al-Kabir (Mafatih al-Ghayb) by Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, the exegesis of Raghib al-Isfahani, and selected opinions of the Companions and Tabi'un. Despite its relatively small size, it is unanimously regarded by scholars as a true and authoritative tafsir.

In terms of type and style, Tafsir al-Baydawi is considered a literary, independent, and classical interpretation. This article aims to examine the style and significance of Al-Baydawi’s tafsir in comparison to other Quranic exegeses.