Sharh Muqaddimat al-Tafsir li Ibn Taymiyya - al-Uthaymin
- Author died
- 1421 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Waṭan
Sharh Muqaddimat al-Tafsir (Commentary on the Introduction to the Principles of Exegesis) is an explanation by the Saudi scholar Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (1347–1421 AH / 1929–2001 CE) of Ibn Taymiyya’s (d. 728 AH / 1328 CE) treatise on Quranic hermeneutics, Muqaddima fi Usul al-Tafsir .
Origin and Composition
The commentary originated as educational lectures delivered by al-Uthaymin in 1408 AH (1987–1988 CE) during his regular teaching circles at the Grand Mosque in Unayzah . The lectures were originally recorded and circulated on five audio cassettes before being transcribed and prepared for publication .
Contents and Scope
The base text addresses the foundational rules necessary for understanding the Quran, evaluating classical commentaries, and distinguishing between authentic reports and flawed interpretations . Al-Uthaymin's commentary systematically follows Ibn Taymiyya’s exposition, elucidating its major themes:
- The Prophetic Clarification: Explaining how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ conveyed both the words and the meanings of the Quran to his Companions .
- Typology of Disagreement: Clarifying differences among early authorities (al-salaf), demonstrating that most variations represent differences of expression and complementary facets (ikhtilaf tanawwu') rather than direct contradiction (ikhtilaf tadadd) .
- Sources of Divergence: Analyzing disputes arising from transmitted reports—such as weak narrations and Israelite traditions (Isra'iliyyat)—as well as errors stemming from subjective deductions (istidlal), ideological preconceptions, or strictly lexical readings disconnected from context .
- Methodology of Exegesis: Expounding the hierarchical sources of sound interpretation (ahsan turuq al-tafsir), primarily explaining the Quran by the Quran itself, followed by the Prophetic Sunnah, the consensus and traditions of the Companions, and the interpretations of the Successors .
Publication History
The work was first prepared and edited by Abd Allah ibn Muhammad al-Tayyar and published by Dar al-Watan in Riyadh in 1415 AH (1995 CE) . It was subsequently revised and republished by the Scientific Committee of the Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin Charitable Foundation, following the author's editorial guidelines for his posthumous publications . In the foundation's edition, all explanatory footnotes—aside from the cross-referencing and authentication of hadith—derive directly from al-Uthaymin's personal marginal notes or were read to him during his classes .
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