Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an in Classical Islam

Routledge Studies in the Qur'an

by Kristin Zahra Sands

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.

Genres: Islam, Spirituality, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[Wayfarer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful introduction to the realm of Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an - focusing on the Classical Period. This work is divided into two parts: Part 1: Hermeneutics - discusses Sufi hermeneutical basis and methods. And, Part 2: Commentary - presents an introduction to the well-known classical Sufi commentators and selected commentary from these sources on selected Qur'anic passages centred around a spiritual theme.

[Muhamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great work. Highly recommended.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable aid to bearing the Trust.
Sands’ Sufi Commentaries explores the complexities of making sense of sacred writings which offer more than one valid interpretation, often according to the reader’s readiness. The commentary is richly infused with compelling citations from a variety of classical writers such as Ibn Arabi, al-Ghazali, al-Kashani, Ruzibihan Baqli, and al-Simnani (and limited reference to contemporary writers such as Chittick, Murata, Ernst, and Sells). The theoretical background is then applied to three powerful texts: Musa (Moses) and al-Khadir, Maryam, and the Light Verse. The entire work contributes very importantly toward the challenge for humans “to develop spiritually from a speaking animal to the bearer of the trust of God” (p. 44).

[Mercie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the commentaries and the ideologies behind them.

[Muhammad Ma'mun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buku yang baik sebagai pengantar tentang tafsir Sufi, genre tafsir yang, seperti dijelaskan oleh Sands dalam pendahuluan buku ini, sering sekali disalahpahami dan dipandang dengan sebelah mata dalam kajian modern atas tafsir: Mulai dari Goldziher, yang memandangnya sebagai eisegesis, pembacaan pikiran kita sendiri atas Qur'an hingga Rahman yang memandangnya sebagai hasil 'imajinasi estetik' belaka.

Buku ini memperlihatkan kepada kita strategi dan metode para Sufi dalam membaca Qur'an, tokoh-tokohnya, polemik pro-kontra, hingga contoh-contoh hasil interpretasi mereka atas Qur'an.

[Umar]

Excellent for developing a strong relationship with the Quran! Some powerful reading techniques mentioned in here by the early masters.