critical study of Tafsir Al-Manar (interpretation of the Holy Quran) regarding the miracles of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) and Prophet Moses (PBUH)

Abstract

The role of Intellect or Aql in the interpretation of the Holy Quran has been greatly considered by Islamic scholars through history. Some past and contemporary scholars have attempted to interpret the Quran using reason, such as Tafsir Al-Manar (the interpretation of the Holy Quran) written by Mohammad Rashid Rida. Since the perception of Muhammad Rashid Rida and his teacher Muhammad Abduh regarding the prophets’ miracles are different from many commentators, it is important to examine Al-Manar’s interpretive concerning the miracles of prophets including Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Moses (AS). This article examines Tafsir Al-Manar with a descriptive-analytical method in order to assess the accuracy of Muhammad Abduh’s and Rashid Rida’s comments. In examining Mohammad Rashid Rida’s point of view, we found that his rational interpretations are inconsistent with the Quran’s appearance, Shiite and Sunni commentators. The interpretations also lack attention to the purpose of the story. The denial in their interpretations indicate their improper use of a rational interpretative method, which otherwise, would not have led to the denial of the prophets’ miracles.