al-Tafsir al-Wadih
- Author died
- 1392 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Jīl al-Jadīd
al-Tafsir al-Wadih (The Clear Exegesis) is a modern Arabic commentary on the Qur'an by the Egyptian scholar Muhammad Mahmud Hijazi (1914–1972 CE / d. 1392 AH), designed to provide a straightforward explanation of the Qur'anic text for contemporary readers.
Background and Purpose
Hijazi composed the work while working as an instructor at the Zagazig Religious Institute, prior to completing his doctoral dissertation on thematic unity in the Qur'an. In the preface, he explained that classical commentaries fell largely into two extremes: expansive, encyclopedic references—such as those of al-Tabari, al-Qurtubi, Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, Shihab al-Din al-Alusi, and al-Shihab—which presented dense linguistic, legal, and theological discussions inaccessible to non-specialists; and overly condensed summaries—such as the work of Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti—which omitted contextual transitions and connections between verses.
Hijazi intended his exegesis to chart a middle path by presenting the general meaning of verses in modern language, avoiding technical terminology, excessive digressions, and Isra'iliyyat (unverified biblical narratives), thereby making the Qur'an readily comprehensible to the widest possible audience.
Method and Structure
Nur al-Din 'Itr categorized al-Tafsir al-Wadih as a primary example of modern "systematic exegesis" (al-tafsir al-manhaji). The commentary treats passages by dividing the analysis into distinct subheadings:
- Occasions of revelation (asbab al-nuzul) when applicable.
- Contextual link (munasabah) between the verse and preceding passages.
- Vocabulary (al-mufradat al-lughawiyyah), defining difficult words.
- Grammar and syntax (al-i'rab) and its impact on meaning.
- Rhetorical features (al-balaghah).
- General meaning (al-ma'na al-'amm) of the passage.
- Extracted lessons and practical reflections deduced from the text.
Throughout the work, Hijazi integrated scientific concepts, social guidance, and contemporary reflections into the explanation.
Reception and Critique
The exegesis has been evaluated as an accessible and beneficial resource for general readers, well-suited to encouraging Islamic awareness and intellectual engagement. However, Nur al-Din 'Itr noted that Hijazi occasionally departed from mainstream interpretations (al-jumhur) without providing an explicit rationale. Examples cited include his interpretation of al-nazi'at (Qur'an 79:1) as referring to celestial bodies rather than angels, and interpreting al-'ishar (Qur'an 81:4) as rain-bearing clouds rather than pregnant camels, presenting the standard linguistic interpretation only with the passive phrasing "it was said" (qila).
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