Ibn Uthaymin
Tafsir al-Uthaymin: min Surat Muhammad
- Author died
- 1421 AH
- Editions
- T Maktabat al-Tabari
Tafsir al-Uthaymin: min Surat Muhammad is an exegesis of the Quran by the Saudi scholar Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (1347–1421 AH / 1929–2001 CE), based on his recorded scholarly lessons .
Background and Publication
The work originated from audio recordings of teaching circles delivered by al-Uthaymin at the Grand Mosque in Unaizah . The text was transcribed, prepared, and published under the supervision of the scientific division of the Shaykh Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Uthaimin Charitable Foundation, adhering to the editorial directives and rules set down by the author for editing and publishing his scholarly legacy .
Contents and Methodology
The work opens with the exegesis of Surah Muhammad, noting that it is also named Surat al-Qital because it addresses fighting alongside mentioning the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ .
Al-Uthaymin's commentary is structured around several exegetical principles and thematic discussions:
- Hermeneutical Rules: In interpreting versatile Quranic phrasing, he applies the rule that when a verse accommodates two meanings that do not contradict one another, it should be understood as encompassing both, ensuring broader scope and completeness .
- Conditions of Righteous Deeds: In expounding the verse وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ ("And those who believe and do righteous deeds"), he defines a valid righteous action by two essential pillars: sincerity solely for God (ikhlas) and conformity with the prophetic model (mutaba'ah) .
- Criteria of Adherence (Mutaba'ah): He specifies that conformity to the Sharia is achieved only when an act of worship corresponds to Islamic law across six aspects: its cause (sabab), genus (jins), manner (kayfiyyah), quantity (qadr), time (zaman), and place (makan) .
- Creed and Intention: The text warns against minor polytheism, such as ostentation (riya) or performing religious functions—such as leading prayer, calling the adhan, or performing Hajj on behalf of others—exclusively for financial compensation rather than devotion, citing positions from Ibn Taymiyyah and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab .
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