Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an in Classical Islam

Routledge Studies in the Qur'an

by Kristin Zahra Sands

The Classical period of Islam, from the tenth to the fifteenth centuries, was a period in which the most influential commentaries on the Qur'an were written. Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an in Classical Islam looks at the unique contributions of Sufis to this genre and how these contributions fit into the theological and exegetical discussions of the time.
This study begins with an examination of several key hermeneutical assumptions of Sufis, including their understanding of the ambiguous and multivalent nature of the Qur'anic text, the role that both the intellect and spiritual disciplines play in acquiring knowledge of its meanings, and the ever-changing nature of self which seeks this kind of knowledge. The second half of the study is an analysis and comparison of the themes and styles of several different commentaries on:
- The Qur'anic story of Musa (Moses) and al-Khadir
- The figure of Maryam (The Virgin Mary)
- The Light Verse
It demonstrates that, while Sufi interpretation has often been characterized as allegorical, these writings are more notable for their variety of philosophical, visionary, literary and homiletic styles.
"Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an in Classical Islam" is the first comprehensive study of the contributions for Sufis to the genre of commentaries on the Qur'an and is essential reading for those with research interests in Sufism, Qur'anic exegesis and Islam.

Genres: Islam, Spirituality, Religion

Kindle Edition

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.