al-Siraj fi Bayan Gharib al-Quran
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- Without publisher (Cataloging of King Fahd National Library - Riyadh)
al-Siraj fi Bayan Gharib al-Quran (The Lamp in Explaining the Unfamiliar Vocabulary of the Quran) is a contemporary reference work on Quranic vocabulary (gharib al-Quran) authored by Muhammad bin Abd al-Aziz al-Khudayri, a scholar affiliated with King Saud University . The book provides concise definitions for uncommon and difficult words across the entire text of the Quran to assist readers in understanding and reflecting on the scripture .
Purpose and Methodology
In the introduction, al-Khudayri notes that mastering individual vocabulary words is the foundational prerequisite for understanding phrases and engaging in Quranic reflection (tadabbur); without this knowledge, comprehension is hindered and words risk being misconstrued as their opposites . To support this, he cites classical and modern Quranic authorities such as al-Raghib al-Isfahani and Abd al-Hamid al-Farahi .
The material is compiled from classical and modern works of Quranic exegesis (tafsir) and specialized treatises on gharib al-Quran . Al-Khudayri adopted a simplified style aimed at clarity and brevity. Where multiple scholarly interpretations exist for a word, he seeks to harmonize them into a single comprehensive formulation; when reconciliation is not possible, he relies on scholarly preference (tarjih) to select the most probable meaning .
Structure and Organization
The work follows the canonical order of the Quranic mushaf, beginning with Surat al-Fatihah and concluding with Surat al-Nas . At the start of each chapter, the book lists:
- The surah's numerical sequence in the mushaf,
- The name of the surah,
- The total verse count,
- Its classification as either Meccan or Medinan .
The content is organized in a three-column tabular format detailing the verse number, the specific word or phrase, and its glossed definition .
Reception
The work is widely utilized in contemporary Quranic study curricula and reading programs. It is recommended as a standard textbook for students and general readers undertaking a dedicated study reading (khatmah) focused on Quranic vocabulary, as well as an accessible aid for grasping word meanings directly before progressing to broader exegetical commentaries .
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