Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an

On the Qur'an in Classical Islam : New,

Description :

Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an in Classical Islam : Meeting the ever increasing interest in Islam and Sufism, this book is the first comprehensive study of Sufi Qur’anic commentaries and includes translations of many writings previously unavailable in English. It examines the shared hermeneutical assumptions of Sufi writers and the diversity in style of Sufi commentaries. Some of the assumptions analyzed are :


   *** The Qur’an is a multi-layered and ambiguous text open to endless interpretation,

   *** The knowledge of deeper meanings of the Qur’an is attainable by means other than transmitted interpretations and rational thought,

   *** The self is dynamic, moving through states and stations which result in different interpretations at different times.


The styles of Sufi commentaries are explored, which range from philosophical musings to popular preaching to literary narrative and poetry. Other commentaries from the classical period are also investigated to provide context in understanding Sufi approaches and exegetical styles.




Reviews :

"This book will serve as an excellent introduction to this genre ... the author deserves congratulations on her great effort." _{---The Muslim World Book Review}.


"Kristin Zahra Sands’ Sufi Commentaries on the Qur’an in Classical Islam is certainly one of these meaningful studies. On account of its clarity, exemplary textual fidelity and sound translations from the Arabic and Persian, this monograph will serve as an effective basis for further inquiries into Sufi Qur’anic exegesis. It is, therefore, a welcome contribution to the growing literature on Islamic mysticism." _{---Mohammed Rustom, University of Toronto}.

Kristin Zahra Sands is a Mellon Fellow and Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies at Sarah Lawrence College - where she teaches courses on the Qur'an, Sufism, contemporary Islamic thought and contemporary Muslim literature and art.  She obtained her PhD in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from New York University in 2000. Her research interests include Sufism, Qur'anic exegesis, and Islam and media.

Table of Contents :

---Acknowledgements,

---Introduction.

Part 1: Hermeneutics : 

---[1]. The Qur'an as the Ocean of all Knowledge :

--------The hadith of ibn Masud,

--------Sayings from Imam 'Ali and Ja'far al-Sadiq.

---[2]. The Qur'anic Text and Ambiguity : 

--------The clear and ambiguous verses (mukhamat wa mutashabihat),

--------Those in whose hearts is a turning away and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge (al-rasikhun fi'l ilm).

---[3]. Uncovering Meaning: Knowledge and Spiritual Practice;

--------Reading the Qur'an with the presence of the heart (hudur al-qalb).

---[4]. Methods of Interpretation :

--------Abu Nasr al-Sarraj and the methods of understanding (fahm) and the method of allusion (ishara),

--------Al-Nisaburi and al-Kashani and the method of esoteric interpretation (ta'wil),

--------Al-Simnani and commentary on the seven inner senses (tafsir al-butun al-sab'a).

---[5]. Attacking and Defending Sufi Qur'anic Interpretation :

--------The problem of distinguishing sound exegesis from exegesis by mere personal opinion (tafsir bi'lra'y),

--------Imam al-Ghazali on tafsir bi'lra'y,

--------Ibn al-Jawzi and ibn Taymiyya on the importance of transmitted information,

--------Ibn Taymiyya on sound interpretation of the Qur'an,

--------Al-Ghazali's defence of ta'wil,

--------Problems with Al-Ghazali's defence of ta'wil,

--------Al-Ghazali's final defense of Sufi interpretation.

Part II : Commentary:

---[6]. Sufi Commentators on the Qur'an:

--------Al-Tustari,

--------Al-Sulami,

--------Al-Qushayri,

--------Abu Hamid al-Ghazali,
--------Rashid al-Din al-Maybudi,

--------Ruzbihan al-Baqli,

--------Al-Kashani,

--------Al-Nisaburi.

---[7]. Qur'anic Verses 18:60-82: The Story of Musa and Al-Khadir :

--------'Ilm laduni,

--------The journeys of Musa,

--------" I wanted," "we wanted," and "your Lord wanted."

---[8]. Qur'anic Verses on Maryam :

--------Muharrar,

--------Prayer,

--------The virgin Maryam,

---[9]. Qur'an Verse 24:35 (The Light Verse):
--------God is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth,

--------Sufi interpretations of God is the Light of the Heavens & the Earth,

--------The similitude of His/his light is as a niche,

--------Sufi interpretations of the similitude of His/his light is as a niche.

---Conclusion. 

---Appendix: Other Commentators on the Qur'an;

--------Al-Tabari,

--------Al-Zamakhshari,
--------Fakhr al-Din al-Razi,
--------Al-Qurtubi,

--------ibn Taymiyya.

---Glossary of Terms,

------Terms related to human faculties,

------Terms related to knowledge or ways of seeking knowledge,

------Terms related to interpretation and interpreters of the Qur'an,

---Notes,

---Works Cited,

---Index of Qur'anic Verses,

---Index of Ahadith and Sayings,

---Index of selected Names and Terms.

More Sufi books.

Also see Qur'an Homepage.

Also see Qur'anic Books.

Also see Qur'an : English.

*Dimensions : 23.5 x 15.6cm.