Mafatih lil-Taamul ma al-Quran
- Author died
- 1443 AH
- Editions
- Dar Al-Qalam
Mafatih lil-Ta'amul ma' al-Qur'an (Keys for Interacting with the Quran) is a methodological guide on Quranic contemplation and exegesis by the Jordanian scholar Salah al-Khalidi (d. 1443 AH / 2022 CE), published by Maktabat al-Manarah in Jeddah in 1986 CE .
Background and Purpose
The work was composed as the foundational volume and opening treatise of al-Khalidi's broader book series titled Min Kunuz al-Qur'an (From the Treasures of the Quran) . Dedicated to the faculty and students of the Faculty of Sharia at the University of Jordan as well as Islamic callers, the book aims to provide readers with practical methodological guidelines—termed "keys"—to facilitate direct engagement with the Quran, unlock its deeper meanings, and apply its guidance to contemporary life .
Al-Khalidi formulated these principles based on his study of traditional exegeses, works on Quranic reflection, and particularly Sayyid Qutb's commentary Fi Zilal al-Qur'an (In the Shade of the Quran) .
Themes and Method
The book outlines systematic principles for engaging with the Quranic text, emphasizing that exegesis and contemplation remain an open and renewing endeavor for every generation . Among its core guidelines are:
- Holistic Perspective: Approaching the Quran with a comprehensive, unified view rather than isolated fragments, and aligning interpretation with the primary objectives of revelation .
- Practical Relevance: Observing the real-world dimension of verses to address contemporary individual and societal issues, freeing textual lessons from narrow constraints of time and place .
- Connection to Tradition: Grounding interpretation in the understanding of the early generations (salaf) and established exegetical works .
- Quranic Sciences and Modern Knowledge: Acquiring essential, concise knowledge of Quranic sciences while utilizing relevant modern disciplines to illuminate the text's meanings .
- Repeated Contemplation: Engaging in reflective, attentive recitation rather than focusing merely on completing chapters, recognizing the distinct character and thematic unity of each surah .
Reception
In modern Islamic literature on Quranic reflection (tadabbur), Mafatih lil-Ta'amul ma' al-Qur'an is frequently cited and recommended as a foundational handbook alongside specialized works such as Abd al-Rahman al-Sa'di's al-Qawa'id al-Hisan, Abd al-Rahman Habannakah al-Maydani's Qawa'id al-Tadabbur al-Amthal, and Muhammad Qutb's Dirasat Qur'aniyya .
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