Classical Insights, Contemporary Relevance: Understanding Tafsir bi-al-Mathur in Quranic Studies

Authors

  • Md. Mahdi Hasan Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII)
  • Choirul Ahmad University of Edinburgh, UK
  • Md. Rafiqul Islam University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21111/studiaquranika.v9i2.12989

Keywords:

Qurʾānic Exegesis, Tradition-based Exegesis, Tafsīr-bi -al-maʾthūr, Taʾwīl, Prophet, Companions, Successors

Abstract

This paper explores tafsir bi-al-mathur, or tradition-based Quranic exegesis, examining its core elements, interpretive diversity, and relevance in both historical and contemporary contexts. Defined by reliance on the Quran itself, prophetic traditions, and the interpretations of the Companions and Successors, tafsir bi-al-mathur is foundational in Islamic scholarship for preserving original meanings of the Quran. However, its dependence on early sources raises questions about its adaptability to current ethical, legal, and social issues within Muslim communities. Through a qualitative analysis, this study investigates primary interpretative methods within tafsir bi-al-mathur, including tafsir al-Quran bi-l-Quran, tafsir bi-al-hadith, and interpretations by the Companions and Successors. The paper reveals how tafsir bi-al-mathur maintains Quranic authenticity while offering insights into its potential relevance for contemporary applications. This study contributes to Quranic studies by affirming tafsir bi-al-mathur as both a resilient and adaptable approach, balancing fidelity to foundational texts with interpretive flexibility in modern Islamic discourse.

Author Biographies

Md. Mahdi Hasan, Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII)

Md. Mahdi Hasan is a dedicated student currently pursuing his second Master of Arts in Islamic Studies at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) on a fully funded scholarship. He holds his first Master's and Bachelor's degrees from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, where he ranked first in his department. He has served as a senior tutor at ElmulQuran.org, an advisor at Learntimepro.com, and has contributed as a guest lecturer at the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) of Pontianak, Indonesia. He is actively involved in academic leadership, including his role as one of the heads of the Research Development Division at UIII's Islamic Studies Student Association. He is currently working as a research assistant for Prof. Dr. Aria Nakissa, a professor of Islamic Studies at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) and former faculty member at Washington University in St. Louis (https://fis.uiii.ac.id/faculty-members/aria-nakissa/), and Dr. Usaama al-Azami, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Religion and Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and an expert in Islamic thought and modern political Islam (https://research.vu.nl/en/persons/usaama-al-azami). Although he is very new in the research field, he is very dedicated.

Choirul Ahmad, University of Edinburgh, UK

MA in Islamic Studies at University of Edinburgh, UK

Md. Rafiqul Islam, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Professor at the department of Islamic Studies, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

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Submitted

2024-10-31

Accepted

2025-01-10

Published

2025-02-01

How to Cite

Hasan, M. M., Ahmad, C. ., & Islam, M. R. . (2025). Classical Insights, Contemporary Relevance: Understanding Tafsir bi-al-Mathur in Quranic Studies. Studia Quranika, 9(2), 155–178. https://doi.org/10.21111/studiaquranika.v9i2.12989

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Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): Studi Quran

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