Classical Insights, Contemporary Relevance: Understanding Tafsīr bi-al-Maʾthūr in Qurʾānic Studies

Md. Mahdi Hasan; Choirul  Ahmad; Md. Rafiqul  Islam

doi:10.21111/studiaquranika.v9i2.12989

Authors

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

Keywords:

Qurʾānic Exegesis

Tradition-based Exegesis

Tafsīr-bi -al-maʾthūr

Taʾwīl

Prophet

Companions

Successors

Abstract

This paper explores tafsīr bi-al-maʾthūr, or tradition-based Qurʾānic exegesis, examining its core elements, interpretive diversity, and relevance in both historical and contemporary contexts. Defined by reliance on the Qurʾān itself, prophetic traditions, and the interpretations of the Companions and Successors, tafsīr bi-al-maʾthūr is foundational in Islamic scholarship for preserving original meanings of the Qurʾān. 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 tafsīr bi-al-maʾthūr, including tafsīr al-Qurʾān bi-l-Qurʾān, tafsīr bi-l-ḥadīth, and interpretations by the Companions and Successors. The paper reveals how tafsīr bi-al-maʾthūr maintains Qurʾānic authenticity while offering insights into its potential relevance for contemporary applications. This study contributes to Qurʾānic studies by affirming tafsīr bi-al-maʾthūr 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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Classical Insights, Contemporary Relevance: Understanding Tafsīr bi-al-Maʾthūr in Qurʾānic Studies

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Author Biographies

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

Choirul Ahmad, University of Edinburgh, UK

Md. Rafiqul Islam, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

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Studia Quranika: Jurnal Studi Quran