Book Review: Tafsir Al Tustari Sahl Bin Abd Allah Al Tustari
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| Tafsir Al Tustari |
Book Review: Tafsir Al Tustari Sahl Bin Abd Allah Al Tustari
Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: Tafsir Al Tustari Sahl Bin Abd Allah Al Tustari by Legaproblema.com - Have you ever wondered how mystical exegesis can illuminate the depths of the Qur'an? The Book Tafsir Al Tustari Sahl Bin Abd Allah Al Tustari offers a fascinating journey into early sufi tafsir, revealing the spiritual layers beneath the sacred text. This work is the earliest surviving Sufi commentary on the Qur'an, providing insights into nearly 1,000 verses with a profound mystical perspective1. It is not merely a commentary but a window into the ethical and spiritual dimensions of Islamic mysticism, enriched with traditions of the Prophet and stories of earlier mystics.
This tafsir, attributed to Sahl bin Abd Allah al-Tustari, is a cornerstone for understanding the development of Sufi thought and the esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an. The book's translation into English for the first time makes it an invaluable resource for scholars and spiritual seekers alike, bridging centuries of Islamic mystical tradition with contemporary readers2.
Book Details
Author
Original Language
Arabic
Translation
Complete English translation by Annabel and Ali Keeler, with general editing by Yousef Meri
Publisher
Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, Fons Vitae (2011)
ISBN
9781891785191
Length
478 pages
Genre
Religious Studies, Islamic Mysticism, Qur'anic Exegesis
Structure and Contents
What makes this early sufi tafsir stand out in the realm of mystical exegesis? The structure of Tafsir Al Tustari is carefully designed to guide readers through layers of spiritual meaning:
- Commentary on nearly 1,000 Qur'anic verses, focusing on their inner, mystical significance
- Inclusion of numerous references to the traditions (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad
- Explanations of ethical and mystical dimensions of the religious life
- Stories of the prophets and anecdotes about earlier Sufi mystics, providing historical and spiritual context
- Generous explanatory footnotes that clarify complex concepts and cross-references
Strong Points of the Book
Why does this tafsir hold a special place in the study of early sufi tafsir and mystical exegesis? Here are its key strengths:
- Earliest surviving Sufi commentary: It is a foundational text for the tradition of Sufi Qur'anic interpretation.
- Authenticity: One of the few authenticated works by al-Tustari, ensuring scholarly reliability.
- Comprehensive spiritual insight: Offers profound ethical and mystical teachings that shaped later Sufi thought.
- First complete English translation: Opens access to a wider audience beyond Arabic readers.
- Rich intertextuality: Connects Qur'anic verses with prophetic traditions and Sufi anecdotes, enriching understanding.
Impact and Legacy
How has Tafsir Al Tustari influenced the landscape of Islamic mysticism and early sufi tafsir? Its legacy is far-reaching:
- Laid the groundwork for later prominent Sufi thinkers such as Al-Ghazali, Suhrawardi, and Ibn Arabi.
- Preserved the esoteric tradition of Qur'anic interpretation that emphasizes spiritual and ethical dimensions.
- Served as a key reference for scholars studying the historical development of Sufism and Qur'anic exegesis.
- Contributed to the revival and accessibility of classical Islamic mystical literature through modern translations.
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| Sahl Bin Abd Allah Al Tustari |
Criticism of the Book
Is there any critique to consider when engaging with this mystical exegesis? While Tafsir Al Tustari is invaluable, some points of criticism include:
- Complexity: The mystical language and esoteric interpretations can be challenging for readers unfamiliar with Sufi concepts.
- Limited scope: Focuses on selected verses rather than a complete Qur'anic commentary, which may leave gaps for some readers.
- Historical context: Some interpretations reflect early medieval perspectives that require contextual understanding to avoid anachronistic readings.
Comparison with Other Similar Books
What distinguishes Tafsir Al Tustari from other early sufi tafsir works? Here is a comparative overview:
| Aspect | Tafsir Al Tustari | Tafsir Al-Qushayri | Tafsir Al-Jalalayn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Mystical exegesis with ethical and spiritual insights | Early Sufi commentary with philosophical elements | Traditional, exoteric Qur'anic commentary |
| Authorship | Sahl bin Abd Allah al-Tustari | Al-Qushayri | Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti |
| Language | Arabic, now fully translated into English | Arabic, partial translations available | Arabic, widely translated |
| Scope | Selected verses with mystical commentary | Comprehensive Sufi interpretation | Complete Qur'anic commentary |
Mystical Exegesis in Tafsir Al Tustari
Can mystical exegesis transform our understanding of scripture? In Tafsir Al Tustari, mystical exegesis is not just an interpretative method but a spiritual practice. Al-Tustari delves beyond the literal meanings of the Qur'an to uncover the inner realities and ethical imperatives that guide the Sufi path. This approach reveals the Qur'an as a living text, rich with symbolic and spiritual dimensions that speak directly to the seeker’s heart and conscience3.
The commentary emphasizes the unity of divine knowledge and the transformative power of spiritual insight, marking it as a pioneering work in the early sufi tafsir tradition.
Early Sufi Tafsir: Foundations and Features
What defines early sufi tafsir, and how does Tafsir Al Tustari embody these characteristics? Early sufi tafsir is characterized by its focus on the esoteric meanings of the Qur'an, ethical teachings, and the spiritual development of the reader. Al-Tustari’s work stands as a foundational example, combining:
- Interpretations that link Qur'anic verses to spiritual states and mystical experiences
- References to prophetic traditions that highlight inner meanings
- Stories and anecdotes that illustrate ethical and spiritual lessons
- An emphasis on the purification of the soul and the journey towards divine proximity
This tafsir thus serves as a bridge between the Qur'anic text and the lived spiritual realities of early Sufi communities.
Final Ruling
In reviewing Tafsir Al Tustari Sahl Bin Abd Allah Al Tustari, we find a monumental work that enriches our understanding of mystical exegesis and early sufi tafsir. Its scholarly rigor, spiritual depth, and historical significance make it a must-read for anyone interested in Islamic mysticism and Qur'anic studies. While its complexity may challenge newcomers, the book’s insights open pathways to a profound engagement with the Qur'an’s inner meanings. We wholeheartedly recommend this tafsir as an essential resource for both academic study and spiritual exploration.
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Citation
- https://darulthaqafah.com/tafsir-al-tustari-sahl-bin-abd-allah-al-tustari
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13409844-tafsir-al-tustari
- https://www.islamicbookstore.com/tafsir-al-tustari-the-great-commentaries-on-the-holy-quran-series
- https://maktabahmujaddidiyah.com/tafsir-al-tustari-english-translation
- https://www.tokopedia.com/tafsirtustari/tafsir-tustari-by-abu-muhammad-sahal-bin-abdullah-al-tustari
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