Comparative Study of Tafsir Books: Al-Jalalayn & Al-Shawkani’s Fath al-Qadir | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji
By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
The study of Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) is vital in unlocking the layers of meaning, guidance, and linguistic beauty of the Qur'an. In this session of Tafsir 01-06, Shaykh Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin introduces the audience to two influential works in Tafsir: Tafsir al-Jalalayn and Fath al-Qadir by Imam al-Shawkani, contrasting their approaches and value for students and scholars alike.
Imam Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli (d. 864H) began Tafsir al-Jalalayn, and Jalal ad-Din al-Suyuti (d. 911H) completed it. This work is renowned for its concise explanations and its reliance on transmitted reports from the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions (as-salaf). The authors gathered narrations from major Hadith collections, such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, when clarifying verses of the Qur'an.
However, a key point for students is that al-Jalalayn does not always verify the authenticity of these reports. The importance of grading Hadith is highlighted in the sciences, distinguishing between authentic (sahih), sound (hasan), and weak (da'if) narrations, a principle underscored in the Qur'an itself:
"O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with news, investigate..." (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:6 – quran.com/49/6)
A similar emphasis is found in the Prophet’s ﷺ approach to reporting.
"It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar by conveying everything he hears." (Sahih Muslim 5 – sunnah.com/muslim:5)
Contemporary scholars continue efforts to authenticate and clarify Hadith within classical Tafsir books.
The second major work discussed is Fath al-Qadir by Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al-Shawkani (d. 1250H). Al-Shawkani approaches Tafsir with linguistic rigor, examining the grammar, recitation (qira'at), and the context of each ayah (verse). He evaluates scholarly differences among jurists and linguists and often selects the view supported by evidence.
Al-Shawkani’s method refutes deviant opinions, argues for salafi perspectives, and regularly chooses the strongest, most authentic interpretations. By analyzing the language of verses, he foregrounds the primary sources of Islam:
"And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy to remember..." (Surah Al-Qamar 54:17 – quran.com/54/17)
Transmission vs. Verification: Al-Jalalayn compiles many reports, but does not always verify them. Modern editorship involves grading reports and clarifying weak or authentic narrations.
Linguistic and Analytical Evaluation: Fath al-Qadir stands out for its in-depth linguistic analysis, grammar, and juristic reasoning, opting for positions with the strongest evidence.
Students are encouraged to compare the methodologies of these books and review the authenticity and nuances of each. This enhances one's understanding of the Qur’an and deepens respect for the scholarly tradition.
Conclusion: Comparing classical and analytical Tafsir helps cultivate a holistic appreciation for the Qur’an’s timeless wisdom rooted in authentic transmission and rigorous linguistic analysis.