Muhammad Mahmud Hijazi
- Died
- 1392 AH
- Born in
- Egypt
Muhammad Mahmud Hijazi (1332–1392 AH / 1914–1972 CE) was an Egyptian Azhari scholar and exegete, known for his modern Qur'anic commentary, al-Tafsir al-Wadih.
Early life and education
Hijazi was born in the Sharqiyya Governorate of Egypt in 1914. He began his formal religious education at the religious institute of Zagazig, where he was recognized as a diligent student dedicated to his studies. After completing his intermediate studies in Zagazig, he moved to Cairo to enroll in the Faculty of Arabic Language at al-Azhar, where he pursued his higher studies until he obtained the advanced ʿĀlimiyyah degree.
Academic career and scholarship
Following his graduation, Hijazi returned to his hometown region and was appointed as an instructor at the Zagazig Institute where he had previously studied. During his early teaching years in Zagazig, he focused particularly on Qur'anic exegesis (tafsīr) and authored his multi-volume commentary, al-Tafsir al-Wadih (The Clear Exegesis). The work gained prominence as a modern generalized commentary (tafsīr ijmālī) that presents the meanings of the Qur'an in a simplified, accessible style for general readers.
Aspiring to join the faculty of the College of Usul al-Din (Principles of Religion), Hijazi prepared a doctoral dissertation titled al-Wahdah al-Mawdu'iyyah fi al-Qur'an al-Karim (Thematic Unity in the Holy Qur'an). He noted in the introduction to his dissertation that the inspiration for this research arose while writing al-Tafsir al-Wadih, where he became fascinated by the intricate arrangement of Meccan and Medinan surahs across the Qur'anic text. His dissertation came to be regarded as a pioneering modern study on the thematic coherence of Qur'anic surahs.
Character and standing
Hijazi was noted by contemporaries for his modest demeanor, deep loyalty to al-Azhar, vast knowledge, and forgiving temperament. He maintained a tranquil scholarly life, avoiding polemics and personal rivalries, and was well regarded by his students and the community of his hometown. Hijazi died in 1392 AH (1972 CE).
Answer updated
List of Works
al-Tafsir al-Wadih (The Clear Exegesis) is a modern Arabic commentary on the Qur'an designed to provide a straightforward explanation of the Qur'anic text for contemporary readers. It charts a middle path between dense, expansive references and overly condensed summaries by presenting the general meaning of verses in modern language, avoiding technical terminology, excessive digressions, and unverified biblical narratives to make the text widely comprehensible.