Baydawi, Abd Allah al- — As a name that reverberates with profound scholarship in Islamic theology, Abd Allah al-Baydawi stands out as a preeminent Shafi’i jurist and Ashari theologian who etched his legacy in the annals of Islamic intellectual history. 🚀
Definition and Meaning
Abd Allah al-Baydawi (d. probably 1286, perhaps as late as 1316) was a celebrated Shafi’i jurist and Ashari theologian, primarily renowned for his concise yet comprehensive Quranic commentary, “Anwar al-tanzil wa-asrar al-tawil” (The Lights of Revelation and the Secrets of Interpretation). This work delves into the grammatical makeup and variant readings of the Quranic text, capturing the awe and rigor typical of Baydawi’s scholarly prowess.
Etymology
- Name: “Baydawi” is derived from “Bayda,” marking the region Baydawi hailed from, which is possibly near Shiraz in Iran.
- Given Name: “Abd Allah,” meaning “Servant of Allah” in Arabic, reflects common nomenclature in Islamic tradition, signifying deep religious connotations.
Background
Baydawi emerged from a scholarly milieu, receiving education in Baghdad—a hub of Islamic scholarship—and eventually establishing himself in Shiraz. His renowned piece, “Anwar al-tanzil wa-asrar al-tawil,” is largely derived from al-Zamakhshari’s (d. 1144) work “Al-kashshaf” yet distinguished itself by embedding variant readings and a focus on grammar.
Historical Facts and Dates
- Lifetime: 13th-14th century (d. probably 1286, possibly as late as 1316).
- Commentary Publication In Europe: 1846–48, marking it one of the earliest Quranic commentaries to be accessible within European academic circles.
Cultural Importance
In the Muslim world, Baydawi’s commentary became quintessential, garnering many supercommentaries and being an integral part of madrasa curricula. In various regions, including South Asia and Ottoman territories, Baydawi’s texts were often referenced, emphasizing his cross-cultural academic influence.
Synonyms
- Tafsir (تفسير): Interpretation.
- Mufassir (مفسر): Interpreter or exegesist.
Antonyms
- Naskh (نسخ): Abrogation.
- Ilhad (إلحاد): Heresy.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Tafsir: Scholarly exegesis or interpretation of the Quran.
- Ashari: Pertaining to the theological school founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari.
- Shafi’i: One of the four schools of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence, founded by Imam al-Shafi’i.
Exciting Facts
- Enlightening Illumination: Baydawi’s masterpiece is referred to as “Lights of Revelation,” embodying its enlightening impact on Quranic studies.
- Transcending Borders: It’s a symbol of the transfer of knowledge between the Islamic world and Europe, reflecting global intellectual movements.
Quotations
“The essence of Baydawi’s work lies in its ability to render deep insights accessible, fostering a bridge between divine revelation and human understanding.” — Anonymous Scholar.
References
- “Anwar al-tanzil wa-asrar al-tawil,” by Abd Allah al-Baydawi.
- “Al-Kashshaf,” by Al-Zamakhshari.
Suggested Literature and Additional Sources
- Islamic Theological Themes: A Primary Source Reader by John Renard.
- Introduction to Classical Islamic Tafsir by George F. Hourani.
- History of Islamic Theology: From Muhammad to the Present by Tilman Nagel.
Baydawi’s thought proves that the quest for knowledge transcends epochs, fostering a continued conversation between past wisdom and present quests for understanding. May his work inspire you in your pursuit of enlightenment and scholarly endeavors. 🌟
Warm regards,
Hassaam Al-Rasheed
October 3, 2023
