Book Description of Tafseer al-Jalalayn
Tafsir al-Jalalayn, meaning “The Commentary of the Two Jalals”, is a classical Sunni interpretation of the Quran, composed first by Jalal ad-Din al-Maḥalli in 1459 and then completed after his death by Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti in 1505. It is one of the most popular and widely read commentaries on the Quran, renowned for its brevity, clarity, and accessibility.
Tafsir al-Jalalayn is a concise tafsir bil-Mathur, meaning that it is primarily based on transmitted knowledge from the Quran itself, the hadith, and the tafsirs of earlier scholars. Al-Maḥalli and as-Suyuti draw on a wide range of sources, including the works of al-Tabari, al-Zamakhshari, and Ibn Kathir. However, they also offer their own unique insights and interpretations.
Tafsir al-Jalalayn is notable for its focus on the literal meaning of the Quran. Al-Maḥalli and as-Suyuti are careful to explain the meaning of each verse in light of its grammatical structure and context. They also pay close attention to the various readings of the Quran and the different interpretations of earlier scholars.
In addition to its focus on the literal meaning, Tafsir al-Jalalayn also includes discussions of the following:
The grammatical structure of the Quran
The Arabic language and its nuances
Rhetorical devices used in the Quran
Historical and biographical information related to the Quran
Legal rulings derived from the Quran
Tafsir al-Jalalayn is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to understand the Quran more deeply. It is a valuable tool for scholars, students, and laypeople alike.
Features of Tafsir al-Jalalayn
Concise and easy-to-read
Based on transmitted knowledge from the Quran, hadith, and earlier scholars
Focuses on the literal meaning of the Quran
Includes discussions of grammar, language, rhetoric, history, and law
An indispensable resource for anyone who wants to understand the Quran more deeply
Who Should Read Tafsir al-Jalalayn?
Scholars
Students
Laypeople
Anyone who wants to understand the Quran more deeply
For the first time ever Tafsir al-Jalalayn is competently translated into an unabridged highly accurate and readable annotated English translation by Doctor. Feras Hamza.
Should you be interested, you can find the original Arabic version of “Tafseer al-Jalalayn” on our sister website. You can find it by clicking here
About the Translator
Doctor Feras Hamza, D.Phil. obtained his doctorate from the University of Oxford (Wolfson College) and is a Research Associate in Qur’anic Studies at the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London. He is working on a translation of Al-BaydawT’s Tafsir and a monograph on the Birth of the Muslim Afterlife.
