Qur’anic Interpretation in al-Andalus: Leading Scholars in Light of Academic Studies: An Analytical Statistical Study

Abstract

This study looks at the tafsir (Qur'anic interpretation) science developed in al-Andalus, where many scholars were known for their writing ability, classification capabilities and teaching methods in cities such as Cordoba, Seville, and Granada. The research analyzes manuscripts and academic contributions from when the Muslims took control in 711 until Granada fell in 1492. In comparing Andalusian tafsir with that from the Mashreq area, it becomes apparent that the focus of the former is more on its reception and enhancement than on where it originates. While Andalusian tafsir began in the 3rd century, it gained attention and prominence under Ibn Atiyya during the 6th century and then matured with Ibn Atiyya and others like Baqi ibn Makhlad, Maki ibn Ab Talib al-Qaysi, and Ahmad ibn Muhammed al-Ghazali during the 7th and 8th centuries. The present study will discuss the most prominent exegetes of Andalusian tafsir and review some of the academic research concerning these persons. Of note is that Ibn Atiyya received the most attention from scholars, while there is still considerable room for additional study in the area of Andalusian tafsir.