Ibn Uthaymin
Tafsir al-Uthaymin: Juz Amma
- Author died
- 1421 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Thurayyā lil-Nashr wa-al-Tawzīʿ
Tafsir al-Uthaymin: Juz Amma (Commentary of al-Uthaymin: The Thirtieth Part) is a Quranic exegesis by the Saudi Hanbali scholar Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (d. 1421 AH / 2001 CE), covering the thirtieth and final section of the Quran preceded by Surat al-Fatihah.
Composition and Transmission
The exegesis originated as spoken lessons delivered by Ibn Uthaymin during his regular gatherings, notably his weekly open assemblies known as Liqa al-Bab al-Maftuh (The Open Door Meeting). When presented with the proposal to transcribe and publish the recorded lessons into book form, he consented. Following transcription, Ibn Uthaymin was able to personally review only Surat al-Fatihah and Surat al-Naba up to the phrase إِلَّا حَمِيمًا وَغَسَّاقًا (Except scalding water and foul purulence); according to another copy, his review extended from the beginning of Surat al-Naba through the end of Surat al-Buruj, excluding Surat al-Infitar.
Purpose and Scope
Ibn Uthaymin noted that he chose the thirtieth juz because its short surahs are frequently recited during ritual prayers, making an understanding of their meanings essential for believers. He stressed that the Quran was revealed for three primary purposes: worshipping God through its recitation, contemplating its meanings (tadabbur), and drawing admonition from it (ittiaz).
The work commences with a commentary on Surat al-Fatihah before proceeding sequentially through the thirty-seventh surahs of the thirtieth juz, starting with Surat al-Naba and ending with Surat al-Nas.
Method and Features
Ibn Uthaymin stated at the conclusion of Surat Abasa that his approach was not intended to be exhaustive or elaborate (al-bast), but rather to offer accessible clarification that brings the intended meaning close to the reader.
Throughout the text, his methodology combines several elements:
- Linguistic and grammatical analysis: He frequently analyzes sentence structure, implicit syntax, and word forms to clarify meanings, such as parsing the basmalah and deriving root connotations.
- Theological exposition: He affirms divine attributes according to traditional Sunni theology—such as establishing God's real mercy (al-rahmah al-haqiqiyyah)—while addressing and refuting figurative reinterpretations.
- Legal and practical rulings: He addresses juridical issues arising from the verses, such as the debate over whether the basmalah is an independent verse or part of Surat al-Fatihah, and cautions against contemporary innovations in recitation practices.
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