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.

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.

The author explores the interplay between scriptural exegesis and mystical doctrine in a twelfth-century Sufi commentary on the Qur'an. Previously little-known outside the Persian-speaking world, it is increasingly recognized as a key work in the development of Sufi Qur'anic interpretation. Dr Keeler provides invaluable background for anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of Persian mystical poetry and prose, and other major works of Sufi literature.

The Sufi commentary on the Qur'an by 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani (Ta'wilat al-Qur'an)--long believed to have been written by Muhyi al-Din Ibn 'Arabi (d. 1240)--is one of the masterpieces of Sufi exegesis. It is a complete commentary on the Qur'an, commenting on every chapter but not on every verse. A Sufi Commentary on the Qur'an is the first translation into English of this seminal work. Though little is known about the life of 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani (d. between 1329-35), it is accepted that he studied under Mu'ayyid al-Din al-Jandi, who himself had studied with Sadr al-Din Qunawi, the stepson of Ibn 'Arabi and leading exponent of Akbarian doctrine. Despite the paucity of information on his life, Kashani is recognised for the significant contribution he made to the school of Ibn 'Arabi; his influence and legacy lie in his systemisation of the ideas and thoughts of Ibn 'Arabi. The central theme of Kashani's commen-tary on the Qur'an is gnosis or direct experiential knowledge of God: the seeker of the Divine is to engage in dedicated spiritual exertion in conformity with the Sacred Law until the heart becomes illu-minated. The Ta'wilat al-Qur'an has been translated in two volumes: Volume I includes the commentary from the first Chapter, The Opening (al-Fatiha), until the eighteenth Chapter, The Cave (al-Kahf); while Volume II includes the commentary from Chapter nineteen, Mary (Maryam), to the end of the Qur'an.

This work is both an introduction to the genre of classical tafs?r and a detailed study of one of its major architects, al-Tha?lab? (d. 427/1035). The book offers a detailed study of the hermeneutical principles that governed al-Tha?lab?'s approach to the Qur??n, principles which became the norm in later exegetical works. and a detailed study of one of its major architects, al-Thalabi (d. 427/1035). The book offers a detailed study of the hermeneutical principles that governed al-Tha?lab?'s approach to the Qur??n, principles which became the norm in later exegetical works.

This book deals with the life and work of Jār Allāh al-Zamakhsharī (d. 538/144). The greater part of it, however, is devoted to an examination of his Qurʾān commentary, al-Kashshāf. The book is divided into five chapters, supplemented by nine appendices. After a chapter on the author’s life and writings (an annotated list of which is given in an appendix), there follow four chapters that focus on the Kashshāf itself. These deal with the history of the text, its structure and method, the traditions it contains and the sources the author relied on for it. Although both al-Zamakhsharī’s name and the title of his commentary are well known, very little is actually known about either the author or the work. This book presents a more complete and nuanced picture of each.

"Abu. al-Qāsim al-Qushayrī (b. 376), the author of al-Risāilah (Epistle to the Sufis), one of the earliest manuals of the science of taṣawwuf, was also a mufassir who wrote a complete commentary of the Qurʼan. His work is regarded as the first original mystical commentary written by a man who was both a theologian and a sufi. It is also considered a fusion of both the Sharīʻah and Ṭarīqah, bridging the gap between the ʻulamāʼ and the sufis, during a time when the friction between sufis and traditional ʻulamāʼ was at its peak with both sides accusing each other of deviating from Islam. In studying this historic tafsīr, the author first discusses the science of Qurʼanic exegesis and its development from the earliest days. He discusses briefly the history of early tafsīr works, the various kinds of tafsīrs and their historical and political backgrounds. He also aims to show how sufi scholars have given a new life to the interpretation of the Qur'an."-- Book cover