TANWĪR AL-MIQBĀS MIN TAFSĪR IBN ‘ABBĀS pdf

Tanwīr al-Miqbās min Tafsīr Ibn ‘Abbās Attributed variously to: ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Abbās Muḥammad al-Fīrūzabādī TRANSLATED BY Mokrane Guezzou Edited and with a brief Introduction by Yousef Meri

TANWĪR AL-MIQBĀS MIN TAFSĪR IBN ‘ABBĀS

Tanwīr al-Miqbās min Tafsīr Ibn ‘Abbās – Book description

In the realm of Islamic scholarship, certain texts have remained elusive and inaccessible to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Apart from the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet, there are essential works, such as the tafsir commentaries, which provide a deeper understanding and context to the Revelation. However, the original Arabic texts often prove challenging to grasp due to their obscurity and linguistic complexity, making them inaccessible to ordinary Muslims, particularly those without a strong command of Classical Arabic.

“Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn Abbas,” a significant work in the Great Tafsirs of the Qur’an series. This series, published by the non-profit Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Amman, seeks to make seminal tafsir works available in affordable print and electronic formats, thereby promoting awareness of Islam, rectifying misconceptions, and highlighting its intellectual contributions to human civilization.

Translated into English for the first time by Mokrane Guezzou and edited with a brief introduction by Yousef Meri, “Tanwir al-Miqbas” holds a pivotal position in the study of Islamic exegesis. Although its authorship remains uncertain, with some attributing it to the Companion Abdullah ibn Abbas and others to the renowned scholar Majd al-Din Muhammad Ibn Ya’qub al-Firuzabadi, the significance of this work remains indisputable.

What sets “Tanwir al-Miqbas” apart are several key features that make it an essential resource for scholars and seekers of knowledge alike. First, the core of the work comprises traditions attributed to Ibn Abbas, enriching it with his profound insights. Second, this commentary presents an unabridged and uncensored rendition, preserving the original essence. Third, it falls under the category of tafsir bi’l-riwaya, incorporating reports going back to the Prophet or his Companions.

Unlike other tafsir works, “Tanwir al-Miqbas” avoids intricate theological or philosophical explanations, as well as technical grammatical details. By eliminating isnads or chains of transmission, it remains accessible to a broader audience, including non-specialists.

The history of the publication and scholarship of “Tanwir al-Miqbas” provides an intriguing backdrop. From its earliest print edition in Bombay, India in 1864 to various reprints and vocalised editions in later years, the text has been made available to Arabic-speaking readers. However, scholarly attention to the work has been limited, with only one major study focusing on the exegetical traditions of Ibn Abbas.

Mr. Mokrane Guezzou’s translation bridges the gap between the original Arabic text and the English-speaking audience, making it intelligible without the need for excessive footnotes. Fons Vitae Publishers, along with their dedicated team, have played a vital role in bringing this important work to light.

As “Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn Abbas” emerges into the academic and intellectual sphere, it is hoped that its availability will spur further studies and discussions, both in the Islamic world and the West. By providing access to profound Islamic scholarship, this work serves as a stepping stone for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Qur’an and its timeless wisdom.