SHARḤ (شرح): The Art of Islamic Commentary
Definition
Sharḥ (شرح) - Derived from the Arabic root “ش ر ح”, meaning “to expound” or “to explain,” Sharḥ refers to explanatory commentaries written to elucidate and interpret texts other than the Qurʾān. Unlike tafsīr (تفسير), which is exclusively reserved for commentaries on the Qurʾān, Sharḥ applies to a wide range of scholarly and literary works.
Etymology and Background
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Etymology: Sharḥ originates from the Arabic verb “sharaḥa” (شرح), which means “to open” or “to expand.” It symbolizes the act of opening meanings and making them accessible through detailed explanation.
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Historical Background: The tradition of Sharḥ has been essential in preserving, explaining, and elaborating on foundational texts within Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, theology, and various sciences. This tradition ensures the continuity and clarity of complex works, often required for comprehensible transmission over generations.
Cultural Context and Differences
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In Islamic Culture: Sharḥ plays a critical role and is deeply intertwined with the educational framework in classical madrasa systems. Scholars both independently and collectively build upon each other’s work to perpetuate knowledge while maintaining a dynamic scholarly dialogue.
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Comparative Context: Sharḥ can be likened to the commentarial traditions in Western academia, such as scholastic glosses and expositions during the medieval period. However, the focus in Islamic Sharḥ extends beyond mere annotation—it frequently includes comprehensive analysis and syntactic breakdowns.
Synonyms & Related Terms
- Tafsīr (تفسير): Commentary on the Qurʾān.
- Ḥāshiyah (حاشية): Marginal notes or annotations alongside primary texts.
- Matn (متن): The original text being commented upon.
Exciting Facts
- Great Works and Scholars: Tanwīru ʾl-Abṣār, authored by Shamsu ʾd-Dīn Muḥammad in AH 995, serves as the matn for Durru ʾl-Muk͟htār, a Sharḥ by ʿAlā ʾd-Dīn Muḥammad in AH 1088. This was further elucidated by marginal notes, or ḥāshiyah, such as Raddu ʾl-Muḥtār by Muḥammad Amīn.
Notable Quotations
“There is no knowledge that isn’t unlocked through Sharḥ, for it is the light that unveils the text’s hidden treasures.” - Amina Al-Fahad
Suggested Literature
- “The Methodology of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “Classical Islamic Theology” by Tim Winter
- “Islamic Philosophical Theology” by Parviz Morewedge
Quizzes
In your pursuit of knowledge, always remember that understanding deepens our appreciation for wisdom’s timeless pursuit.
Warm regards,
Nadia Al-Hakim
Published on October 3, 2023
