Tafsir al-Kashshaf

Course Description

Mahmud ibn ‘Umar al-Zamakhshari (d. 538H) was a Persian Mutazili scholar who specialised in language and Quranic commentary. He wrote important works in grammar, lexicography and literature, as well as his Quran commentary. He travelled to Makkah where he stayed for some time and became known as Allah’s neighbour (Jar Allah), before returning to Persia, where he passed away.

al-Zamakhshari’s al-Kashshaf ‘an haqa’iq al-tanzil wa ‘uyun al-aqawil fi wujuh al-ta’wil is one of the most important Quranic commentaries of all time, and probably the greatest linguistic commentary of the Quran, focusing on grammatical and rhetorical analysis. It is one of the most influential tafsirs, and has been quoted extensively for centuries.

In this module students will undertake a close textual study of selected chapters and verses of the Quran through al-Zamakhshari’s Kashshaf. The module focuses on understanding the arguments of al-Zamakhshari and his use of grammar, morphology and rhetoric to understand the Quran.

Students will be expected to do background reading for every lesson using al-Zamakhshari’s Kashshaf. Classes will focus on clarifying any difficulties, discussing the validity of al-Zamakhshari’s views, and looking at alternative interpretations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Comfortably read al-Zamakhshari’s Kashshaf
• Be familiar with how linguistic analysis can give rise to different interpretations
• Be comfortable reading linguistic commentaries 
• Think beyond al-Zamakhshari’s Kashshaf
  

Note: This course is designed for students at an intermediate level of understanding in Arabic grammar, morphology, and rhetoric. Students at this proficiency level will derive the maximum benefit from the course discussions. This is an ongoing course which accepts enrolments on a yearly basis.